Description
Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound and derivative of thiosalicyclic acid with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Although the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated 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