Comparison of symptoms of mercury poisoning and autism - page 3 of 4
Mercury Poisoning
Autism
Physical Disturbances
Increase in cerebral palsy; hyper- or hypo-tonia; abnormal reflexes; decreased muscle strength, especially upper body; incontinence; problems chewing, swallowing, salivating
Rashes, dermatitis/dry skin, itching; burning
Autonomic disturbance: excessive sweating, poor circulation, elevated heart rate		 Increase in cerebral palsy; hyper- or hypotonia; decreased muscle strength, especially upper body; incontinence; problems chewing and swallowing

Rashes, dermatitis, eczema, itching
Autonomic disturbance: unusual sweating, poor circulation, elevated heart rate
Gastro-intestinal Disturbances
Gastroenteritis, diarrhea; abdominal pain, constipation, �colitis�
Anorexia, weight loss, nausea, poor appetite
Lesions of ileum & colon; increased gut permeability
Inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase IV, which cleaves casomorphin		 Diarrhea, constipation, gaseousness, abdominal discomfort, colitis
Anorexia; feeding problems/vomiting
Leaky gut syndrome
Inadequate endopeptidase enzymes needed for breakdown of casein & gluten
Abnormal Biochemistry
Binds -SH groups; blocks sulfate transporter in intestines, kidneys
Has special affinity for purines & pyrimidines
Reduces availability of glutathione, needed in neurons, cells & liver to detoxify heavy metals
Causes significant reduction in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase
Disrupts mitochondrial activities, especially in brain
Low sulfate levels

Purine & pyrimidine metabolism errors lead to autistic features
Low levels of glutathione; decreased ability of liver to detoxify heavy metals
Abnormal glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes

Mitochondrial dysfunction, especially in brain
Immune Dysfunction
Sensitivity due to allergic or autoimmune reactions; sensitive individuals more likely to have allergies, asthma, autoimmune-like symptoms, especially rheumatoid-like ones
Can produce an immune response in CNS
Causes brain/MBP autoantibodies
Causes overproduction of Th2 subset; kills/inhibits lymphocytes, T-cells, and monocytes; decreases NK T-cell activity; induces or suppresses IFNg & IL-2		 More likely to have allergies and asthma; familial presence of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis; IgA deficiencies

On-going immune response in CNS
Brain/MBP autoantibodies present
Skewed immune-cell subset in the Th2 direction; decreased responses to T-cell mitogens; reduced NK T-cell function; increased IFNg & IL-12
Source: Autism - A Unique Type of Mercury Poisoning
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