1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 regulates NT-3, NT-4 but not BDNF mRNA in astrocytes

Abstract

THE effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ on neurotrophin mRNA expression was studied in primary cultures of astrocytes. In addition to its known effects on NGF expression, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D₃ was shown to upregulate NT-3 mRNA levels, while NT-4 expression was slightly but significantly downregulated. No effect was observed on BDNF mRNA expression. These data clearly show a differential regulation of the four neurotrophins by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ in primary cultures of astrocytes, and suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ may participate in the expression of NGF, NT-3, and NT-4 in the central nervous system.