Distribution of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 receptor immunoreactivity in therat olfactory system

1. The rat olfactory system contains numerous target sites for 1,25-dihydro xyvitamin D-3, as determined by receptor protein (VDR) immunocytochemistry and in sial hybidization. 2. Nuclear and cytoplasmic VDR immunoreactivity as well as the correspondin g hybridization signal was observed in neurons in the olfactory epithelium, the olfactory bulb, and throughout the limbic system in locations also kno wn to be glucocorticoid targets. 3. The widespread distribution of VDR indicates the distinct functional imp ortance of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 for olfactory perception.