Mercury chloride triggers human mast cells to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-relevance to autism (38.26)

Abstract

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders of early childhood. There is no pathogenesis or curative therapy. Many ASD patients have "allergic" symptoms and food intolerance; moreover, the prevalence of ASD in patients with mastocytosis is 10-fold higher than the general population, suggesting mast cell involvement. A recent paper with data from the Vaccine Safety Datalink showed significantly increased rate ratios for ASD with mercury exposure from vaccines. We, therefore, investigated the effect of HgCl2 on VEGF secretion, intracellular calcium ion levels and viability of human cultured mast cells. HgCl2 induced statistically significant VEGF release from mast cells at 0.1-10 µM (n=3, p<0.05), but without a dose-dependent relationship; viability was unaffected. To study the mechanism of action, we investigated intracellular calcium ions. HgCl2 increased intracellular calcium ion levels within 15 min. Mast cell stimulation by HgCl2, possibly in combination with other triggers such as viruses, stress hormones or toxins at a vulnerable young age to release VEGF, which is also vasodilatory could disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers and permit brain inflammation contributing to ASD pathogenesis. This work was supported by Theta Biomedical Consulting and Development Co., Inc. (Brookline, MA).