The influence of dietary restriction on vitamin B-6 vitamer distribution and on vitamin B-6 metabolizing enzymes in rats

Vitamin B-6 Metabolism and Interactions with TNAP

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.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase inhibition by 2-acetyl-4-(tetrahydroxybutyl)imidazole (THI) under conditions of vitamin B6 deficiency

Caramel food colorant 2-acetyl-4-(tetrahydroxybutyl)imidazole (THI) causes lymphopenia in animals through sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase (SPL) inhibition. However, this mechanism of action is partly still controversial because THI did not inhibit SPL in vitro either in cell-free or in cell-based systems. It is thought that the in vitro experimental conditions which have been used so far were not suitable for the evaluation of SPL inhibition, especially in case of cell-based experiments. We speculated that the key factor might be the coenzyme pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), an active form of vitamin B6 (VB6), because media used in cell-based assays usually contain an excess amount of VB6 which leads to the activation of SPL. By the use of VB6-deficient culture medium, we could regulate apo- (without PLP) and holo- (with PLP) SPL enzyme in cultured cells, resulting in the successful detection of SPL inhibition by THI. Although the observed inhibitory effect was not as strong as that of 4-deoxypyridoxine (a VB6 analog SPL inhibitor), these findings may be useful for further understanding the mechanism of action of THI.

Vitamin B6 deficiency decreases the glucose utilization in cognitive brain structures of rats

The effects of vitamin B(6) deficiency on metabolic activities of brain structures were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley weanling rats received one of the following diets: (1) 7 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (control group); (2) 0 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (vitamin B(6)-deficient group); or (3) 7 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg with food intake restricted in quantity to that consumed by the deficient group (pair-fed control group). After 8 weeks of dietary treatment, rats in all three groups received an intravenous injection of 2-deoxy-[(14)C] glucose (100 microCi/kg). Vitamin B(6) status was evaluated by plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentrations. The vitamin B(6)-deficient group had significantly lower levels of plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate than did the control and pair-fed groups. The local cerebral glucose utilization rates in structures of the limbic system, basal ganglia, sensory motor system, and hypothalamic system were determined. The local cerebral glucose utilization rates in each of the four brain regions in the deficient animals were approximately 50% lower (P < 0.05) than in the control group. Results of the present study suggest that serious cognitive deficit may occur in vitamin B(6)-deficient animals.