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Thimerosal induces toxic reaction in non-sensitized animals
1Department of Safety Research on Biologics, National Institute of Health, Tokyo, Japan.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Thimerosal injection caused swelling and inflammation in animal models, indicating a toxic effect. This mercury-induced reaction may contribute to hypersensitivity and vaccine side-effects.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative used in vaccines.
- Concerns exist regarding potential hypersensitivity reactions to thimerosal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of thimerosal injection in nonsensitized animals.
- To determine if mercury in thimerosal causes inflammatory responses.
Main Methods:
- Intrafootpad injections of thimerosal solution in mice.
- Cutaneous injections of thimerosal solution in rats.
- Histopathological examination of injection sites.
- Comparison with mercuric chloride, methyl mercury, and thiosalicylic acid.
Main Results:
- Thimerosal induced significant swelling and edema in mice.
- Histopathology revealed polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration.
- Increased vascular permeability was observed in rats.
- Mercury compounds caused reactions, while thiosalicylic acid did not.
Conclusions:
- The observed reactions are attributed to the mercury content of thimerosal.
- Thimerosal's toxic effects may contribute to hypersensitivity reactions in patients.
- Thimerosal as a vaccine preservative might exacerbate vaccination side-effects.