Excitotoxicity thiamin deficiency

Excitotoxic damage involving loss of astrocytic glutamate transporters is a feature of thiamine deficiency and WE. 

Thiamine deficiency and WE are associated with glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. 

In summary, thiamine deficiency drastically increases neuronal [Ca ]i through altering GluR2 properties. TD-mediated disruption of [Ca ]i may underlie glutamate excitotoxicity or ER stress-induced neurodegeneration in selective brain structures. 

Hazell, A.S., and Butterworth, R.F., 2009. Update of cell damage mechanisms in thiamine deficiency focus on oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and inflammation. Alcohol and Alcoholism. 44 141-147. 

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