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Effects of calcitriol on the immune system: new possibilities in the treatment of glomerulonephritis
Author(s) -
Panichi Vincenzo,
Migliori Massimiliano,
Taccola Daniele,
Consani Cristina,
Giovannini Luca
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1440-1681
pISSN - 0305-1870
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1681.2003.03919.x
Subject(s) - calcitriol , immune system , hormone , vitamin d and neurology , homeostasis , glomerulonephritis , endocrinology , endocrine system , medicine , steroid hormone , secretion , biology , kidney , immunology
Summary 1. 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ), the hormonal form of vitamin D, is widely appreciated to play a central role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the sterol also play an important role in the regulation of cellular growth, haematopoietic tissues and the immune system, as well as in the modulation of hormone secretion by several endocrine glands. 2. In the present review, some of the mechanisms by which 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 regulates immune function are highlighted. Moreover, a number of studies on the effects of calcitriol in several experimental animal models of renal disease are reported, suggesting new possibilities in the therapy of glomerulonephritis.