Neurosteroid vitamin D system as a nontraditional drug target in neuropsychopharmacology

Behav Pharmacol. 2010 Sep;21(5-6):420-6. doi: 10.1097/FBP.0b013e32833c850f.

Abstract

Vitamin D is becoming increasingly recognized as a nontraditional drug target for different brain pathologies. Although widely known for their role in calcium metabolism, vitamin D and its receptor have been linked to several brain disorders, including cognitive decline, epilepsy, affective disorders, and schizophrenia. Here we discuss mounting evidence, and parallel recent clinical and animal behavioral, genetic and pharmacological data to emphasize the emerging role of the neurosteroid vitamin D system in brain function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Brain Diseases / drug therapy
  • Brain Diseases / physiopathology
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / drug effects
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / genetics
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin D / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Vitamin D