Abstract
Two observations stimulated the interest in vitamin B-6 and alkaline phosphatase in brain: the marked increase in plasma pyridoxal phosphate and the occurrence of pyridoxine responsive seizures in hypophosphatasia. The increase in plasma pyridoxal phosphate indicates the importance of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) in transferring vitamin B-6 into the tissues. Vitamin B-6 is involved in the biosynthesis of most of the neurotransmitters. Decreased gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) appears to be most directly related to the development of seizures in vitamin B-6 deficiency. Cytosolic pyridoxal phosphatase/chronophin may interact with vitamin B-6 metabolism and neuronal development and function. Ethanolaminephosphate phospholyase interacts with phosphoethanolamine metabolism. Extracellular pyridoxal phosphate may interact with purinoceptors and calcium channels. In conclusion, TNAP clearly influences extracellular and intracellular metabolism of vitamin B-6 in brain, particularly during developmental stages. While effects on GABA metabolism appear to be the major contributor to seizures, multiple other intra- and extra-cellular metabolic systems may be affected directly and/or indirectly by altered vitamin B-6 hydrolysis and uptake resulting from variations in alkaline phosphatase activity.
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