Thimerosal, has been widely used as a preservative in a number of biological and drug products, including many vaccines, to help prevent potentially life threatening contamination with harmful microbes. It has been used as a preservative in vaccines, immunoglobulin preparations, skin test antigens, antivenins, ophthalmic and nasal products, and tattoo inks.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
General Description
• Thimerosal is an organic compound and a derivative of thiosalicyclic acid. It shows antibacterial and antifungal activities and has the ability to protect against chemical change or microbial action
• Thimerosal can inhibit the sulfhydryl-containing active site of some enzymes and bind to sulfhydryl compounds, such as glutathione, cysteine, and thiol groups of proteins
• It can activate the InsP3 calcium channel on the endoplasmic reticular membrane, triggering the release of calcium from intracellular stores, leading to a calcium-influx of extracellular calcium. Thus, thimerosal may stimulate or inhibit cellular functions dependent on calcium signaling
Application
• Thimerosal can increase histamine release and cell-mediated immunity
• It has the ability to inhibit various sulfhydryl-dependent enzymes and proteins, including PI3-kinase-dependent methionine synthase, glutamate transport receptors, and Na+/K+-dependent ATPases