Mechanisms of neuroprotective action of vitamin D3

This review considers modem data on the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of the neurosteroid vitamin D-3 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.