Thimerosal (syn: Thiomersal) is an organomercury compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Thimerosal was first patented by Morris Kharasch from the University of Maryland in 1927, and later given the trade name Merthiolate by Eli Lilly and Company. Thimerosal is used as a preservative for many pharmaceutical and research applications, as well as a topical antiseptic on skin and mucous membranes.
Thimerosal is an enzyme inhibitor that is capable of inhibiting a wide range of sulfhydryl-dependent enzymes and proteins. Thimerosal causes a release of calcium from intracellular stores in many cell types and may induce or inhibit cellular functions dependent on calcium signaling. Thimerosal may have toxic effects on many cell types and has been shown to induce apoptosis in vitro.
Thimerosal is sparingly soluble in aqueous solution.
This product is considered a dangerous good. Quantities above 1 g may be subject to additional shipping fees. Please contact us for questions.
| Mechanism of Action | Thimerosal inhibits sulfhydryl-containing active site of various enzymes and binds to sulfhydryl compounds, such as glutathione, cysteine, and SH groups of proteins. In addition, Thimerosal activates the InsP3 calcium channel on endoplasmic reticular membrane, thereby triggering the release of calcium from intracellular stores resulting in a calcium-induced calcium-influx of extracellular calcium. Consequently, Thimerosal may induce or inhibit cellular functions dependent on calcium signaling. |
| Spectrum | Thimerosal is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, that is effective against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. |
| Plant Biology Applications | Thimerosal has demonstrated antifungal properties against pathogenic fungi including Aspergillus and Fusarium species and has demonstrated greater potency than amphotericin B and natamycin. |
| Solubility | (1 g/1.5 ml in H2O): Clear or slightly hazy; light yellow solution |
| References |
Baskin DS et al (2003) Thimerosal induces DNA breaks, caspase-3 activation, membrane damage, and cell death in cultured human neurons and fibroblasts. Toxicol. Sci. 74:361 Bultynck G et al (2004) Thimerosal stimulates Ca2+ flux through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1, but not type 3, via modulation of an isoform-specific Ca2+-dependent intramolecular interaction , et al. Biochem. J. 381:87 Elferink JG (1999) Thimerosal: a versatile sulfhydryl reagent, calcium mobilizer, and cell function-modulating agent. Gen. Pharmacol. 33:1 Madi A (2005) Being on the track of Thimerosal Acta Microbiol. Immunol. Hung. 52:95 Miyazaki S et al (1992) Antibody to the inositol trisphosphate receptor blocks Thimerosal- enhanced Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release and Ca2+ oscillations in hamster eggs. FEBS Lett. 309:180 Sayers LG et al (1993) The effects of Thimerosal on calcium uptake and inositol 1,4,5- trisphosphate-induced calcium release in cerebellar microsomes. Biochem. J. 289:883 Swann K (1991) Thimerosal causes calcium oscillations and sensitizes calcium-induced calcium release in unfertilized hamster eggs. FEBS Lett. 278:175 Xu Y et al (2010) In vitro activity of Thimerosal against ocular pathogenic fungi. Antimicrob. Agents and Chemother. 54(1):536 Zaidi NF (1989) Disulfide linkage of biotin identifies a 106-kDa Ca2+ release channel in sarcoplasmic reticulum J. Biol. Chem. 264:21737 |