Thimerosal, a preservative developed by Eli Lily, was once widely
used in vaccines. That was until it was identified as the source
of the largest exposure to mercury in the United States in children
under 18 months of age and mandated to be removed from vaccines.
However, amazingly, despite its well-documented potential toxic
effects, this harmful preservative remains present in the flu vaccine,
which is given to pregnant women, the elderly and children.
A team of researchers examined the toxicity
of thimerosal within the body including neurons. They explored:
- Neurotoxic mechanisms
- How the body detoxifies mercury
- The use of N-Acetylcysteine (or NAC) in aiding the detoxification
pathway within the body
Ordinarily, the brain and liver can manufacture enough glutathione
(an essential antioxidant and naturally occurring tripeptide made
of cysteine, glutamate, and glycine) to protect your body from exposure
to various heavy metals, including mercury. When this critical compound
is depleted in your body, however, the mercury that is left can
bind with cellular proteins, can lead to toxic damage.
Studies have indicated low incredibly
tiny concentrations of thimerosal induced:
- DNA strand breaks
- Caspase-3 activation
- Membrane damage
- Cell death
Researchers also found that higher concentrations of thimerosal
lead to a greater number of cells that were killed, and the nerve
cell response occurred with only a three-hour exposure.
Neurotoxicology
January 2005;26(1):1-8
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