Glutamate in Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy: Neurotoxic Glutamate Concentration in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Its Normalization by Pyridoxine

Abstract

The results indicate that control of epilepsy might not suffice as the therapeutic aim in treating of pyridoxine dependency. In view of the evidence for the role of excitatory amino acids in destruction of CNS nerve cells, the optimal treatment must counteract the raised levels of CSF glutamate and the dosage of vitamin B6 must be adjusted accordingly. The development of mental retardation might theoretically be prevented by adjusting the dose of vitamin B6 to achieve not only remission of epilepsy but also normalization of CSF glutamate.