OT: Harvard Publishes Thimerosal-Neurodevelopmental Disorder Link Study

[Guest guest]

From: mgeier@...Sent: 11/1/2011 4:00:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight TimeSubj: Harvard Publishes Thimerosal-Neurodevelopmental Disorder Link Study

Dear Everyone,

Please, find attached to this email a copy of a newly published study, "Maternal Thimerosal Exposure Results in Aberrant Cerebellar Oxidative Stress, Thyroid Hormone Metabolism, and Motor Behavior in Rat Pups; Sex- and Strain-Dependent Effects" from the peer-reviewed journal of Cerebellum by investigators from Harvard Medical School, saved as Maternal Exposure to Thimerosal in Rats - In Press1.pdf in Adobe Acrobat Format.

In this new study the investigators described [emphasis added], "The present study was undertaken to address the hypothesis that [Thimerosal] TM exposure during the perinatal period impairs cerebellar development by the mechanism involving oxidative stress. TM was administered during G10–G15 corresponding to the period of cerebellar Purkinje cell birth and simulating flu (and other TM containing) vaccines given to pregnant women during the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy [15] and P5–P10 corresponding to the period of granule cells proliferation and a critical period of brain development; TM administration during that time simulates vaccination during the second and the third trimester of pregnancy [15, 16]. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of TM on neurodevelopmental milestones, auditory functions, and motor learning. We also examined cerebellar levels of the oxidative stress marker 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and the type 2 deiodinase (D2), a selenoenzyme that converts the prohormone thyroxine (T4) to the active hormone, 3′,3,5-triiodothyronine (T3) and is responsible for most of the T3 supply within the brain [17]. These effects were examined in male and female neonates to test for the sex-dependent nature of these effects and in two strains of rats with different thresholds to oxidative stress, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Sprague–Dawley (SD), to test for genetically dependent sensitivity to Hg. Although, additional studies are needed, data derived from TM exposure in rats may provide clues relevant to understanding neurodevelopmental consequences of TM exposure in humans."

These investigators observed [emphasis added], "We report here that Hg exposure in the form of TM results in a variety of neurodevelopmental deficits, altered cerebellar oxidative stress, and deiodinase activity, which are manifested in a strain- and sex-dependent manner."

Further, these investigators concluded [emphasis added], "Our data indicate that maternal TM exposure results in a delayed auditory maturation and impaired motor learning in rat pups. Factors that may contribute to these abnormalities include increased cerebellar oxidative stress and decreased D2 activity resulting local intracerebellar T3 deficiency and altered TH-dependent gene expression. Indeed, provided here is the first evidence of altered TH-dependent gene expression following TM-exposure. Our data thus demonstrate a negativeneurodevelopmental impact of perinatal TM exposure, which appears to be both strain- and sex-dependent. Although, additional studies are needed, data derived from TM exposure in rats may provide clues relevant to understanding neurodevelopmental consequences of TM exposure in humans."

Now, in addition, to worldwide investigators from numerous prestigious academic institutions, Harvard, the preminent academic institution on the planet, has confirmed a link between Thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Sincerely,

Geier