New clues about vitamin D functions in the nervous system

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Maybe you have already seen this, it was posted on another list.

Jon.

1: Trends Endocrinol Metab 2002 Apr;13(3):100-5 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

New clues about vitamin D functions in the nervous system.

Garcion E, Wion-Barbot N, Montero-Menei CN, Berger F, Wion D.

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Accumulating data have provided evidence that 1alpha,25 dihydroxyvitamin D(3)

[1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)] is involved in brain function. Thus, the nuclear receptor for

1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) has been localized in neurons and glial cells. Genes encoding

the enzymes involved in the metabolism of this hormone are also expressed in

brain cells. The reported biological effects of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in the nervous

system include the biosynthesis of neurotrophic factors and at least one enzyme

involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) can also inhibit the

synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase and increase glutathione levels,

suggesting a role for the hormone in brain detoxification pathways.

Neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of this hormone have been described

in several experimental models, indicating the potential value of

1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) pharmacological analogs in neurodegenerative and neuroimmune

diseases. In addition, 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) induces glioma cell death, making the

hormone of potential interest in the management of brain tumors. These results

reveal previously unsuspected roles for 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in brain function and

suggest possible areas of future research.

PMID: 11893522 [PubMed - in process]