Mechanisms of neuroprotective action of vitamin D3

Abstract

This review considers modern data on the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of the neurosteroid vitamin D3 and its receptors in the nervous system. Special attention is paid to Ca2+ regulation, stimulation of neurotrophin release, interaction with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and neuroimmunomodulatory effects of calcitriol, the main biologically active form of vitamin D3, in the nervous system.