Author: Chen YN, Wang J, Zhang J, Li SJ, He L, Shao DD, Du HY.
Source: World J Pediatr.
Year: 2013
Comment:
Abstract / Excerpt:
“BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of thimerosal on the neurodevelopment of premature rats.
METHODS:
Thimerosal was injected into premature SD rats at a dose of 32.8, 65.6, 98.4 or 131.2 ?g/kg on postnatal day 1. Expression of dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) and serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR), apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex on post-injection day 49, and learning and memory function were studied and compared with those in a control group injected with saline.
RESULTS:
Expression of DRD4 and 5-HT2AR and learning function decreased, and apoptosis increased significantly in the 131.2 ?g/kg group (P<0.001). Memory function was significantly impaired by 65.6 (P<0.05), 98.4 and 131.2 ?g/kg (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
The negative adverse consequences on neurodevelopment observed in the present study are consistent with previous studies; this study raised serious concerns about adverse neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism in humans following the ongoing worldwide routine administration of thimerosalcontaining vaccines to infants.”
Citation:
Chen YN, Wang J, Zhang J, et al. Effect of thimerosal on the neurodevelopment of premature rats. World J Pediatr. 2013; 9(4): 356-60.