B-Lymphocytes from a Population of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Unaffected Siblings Exhibit Hypersensitivity to Thimerosal

Abstract

The role of thimerosal containing vaccines in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been an area of intense debate, as has the presence of mercury dental amalgams and fish ingestion by pregnant mothers. We studied the effects of thimerosal on cell proliferation and mitochondrial function from B-lymphocytes taken from individuals with autism, their nonautistic twins, and their nontwin siblings. Eleven families were examined and compared to matched controls. B-cells were grown with increasing levels of thimerosal, and various assays (LDH, XTT, DCFH, etc.) were performed to examine the effects on cellular proliferation and mitochondrial function. A subpopulation of eight individuals (4 ASD, 2 twins, and 2 siblings) from four of the families showed thimerosal hypersensitivity, whereas none of the control individuals displayed this response. The thimerosal concentration required to inhibit cell proliferation in these individuals was only 40% of controls. Cells hypersensitive to thimerosal also had higher levels of oxidative stress markers, protein carbonyls, and oxidant generation. This suggests certain individuals with a mild mitochondrial defect may be highly susceptible to mitochondrial specific toxins like the vaccine preservative thimerosal.

Thimerosal Exposure and the Role of Sulfation Chemistry and Thiol Availability in Autism

“…However, in addition to this work, the recent Sharpe et al [99] study has particular relevance for this topic. In this study, researchers examined the action of low levels, ≤1,000 nM, of TM on immortalized B-cells taken from: ASD subjects, their fraternal twins, a sibling, and an age/sex matched control.…”

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“…Probably, in subjects with ASD, a mitochondrial dysfunction in B-cells may explain why B lymphocytes in ASD exhibit a differential immune response to estrogens, dihydrotestosterone, and hormone disrupters, which were associated with ASD onset (Sharpe et al 2013a). B-cell sensitivity to external stimuli has also been reported for thimerosal (Sharpe et al 2013b). Individuals with ASD display a reduced number of B-cells and an increased amount of NK cells (Bressler et al 2012).…”

How Silencing of Dissent in Science Impacts Woman. The Gardasil® Story

“…This will almost instantly elicit the story of Andrew Wakefield, MD whose paper linking the MMR vaccine to autism was eventually retracted by the BMJ, with Wakefield later be labeled as a fraud [35]. Arguendo the BMJ was right and Wakefield wrong, this does not dismiss the numerous other papers published in highly respected journals such as the Journal of Toxicology [36], the Journal of Biomedical Sciences [37], the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [38], International Journal of Toxicology [39] that have drawn a link between vaccines and/or the adjuvants used in them and autism. Whether intentional or not, these papers are rarely if ever cited by vaccine proponents, with one author stating;…”