Thimerosal (Synonyms: Merthiolate, NSC 4794)

Thimerosal is a mercurial antimicrobial agent.^1,2 It is bacteriostatic against hemolytic streptococci and fungistatic against H. capsulatum, B. dermatitidis, and S. schenckii. Thimerosal (1-250 µM) induces apoptosis in HCN-1A human cortical neurons and various neuroblastoma cells.^3,4 In vivo, thimerosal (80 mg/kg, i.p.) induces footpad swelling and dorsal skin contact dermatitis in a mouse model of pseudo-allergic reaction.⁵ Formulations containing thimerosal have been used as antiseptics and preservatives in vaccines.

1.Morton, H.E., North, L.L., Jr., and Engley, F.B., Jr.The bacteriostatic and bactericidal actions of some mercurial compounds on hemolytic streptococciJ. Am. Med. Assoc.136(1)37-41(1948) 2.Deighton, F.J., Hall, N.K., and Larsh, H.W.Merthiolate treatment of pathogenic fungiJ. Clin. Microbiol.10(2)144-146(1979) 3.Baskin, D.S., Ngo, H., and Didenko, V.V.Thimerosal induces DNA breaks, caspase-3 activation, membrane damage, and cell death in cultured human neurons and fibroblastsToxicol. Sci.74361-368(2003) 4.DÓrea, J.G.Integrating experimental (in vitro and in vivo) neurotoxicity studies of low-dose thimerosal relevant to vaccinesNeurochem. Res.36(3)927-038(2011) 5.Peng, B., Che, D., Hao, Y., et al.Thimerosal induces skin pseudo-allergic reaction via Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor B2J. Dermatol. Sci.95(3)99-106(2019)