Despite continuous interest in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, there is still a lack of neuroprotective strategies, because the main focus has remained on modulating the immune response. Here we performed in-depth analysis of neurodegeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and in in vitro studies regarding the effect of the well-established L-type calcium channel antagonist nimodipine. Nimodipine treatment attenuated clinical EAE and spinal cord degeneration and promoted remyelination. Surprisingly, we observed calcium channel-independent effects on microglia, resulting in apoptosis. These effects were cell-type specific and irrespective of microglia polarization. Apoptosis was accompanied by decreased levels of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in cell culture as well as decreased iNOS and reactive oxygen species levels in EAE. In addition, increased numbers of Olig2 + APC + oligodendrocytes were detected. Overall, nimodipine application seems to generate a favorable environment for regenerative processes and therefore could be a treatment option for MS, because it combines features of immunomodulation with beneficial effects on neuroregeneration.M ultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent neurological disease of the CNS in young adults and is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal pathology (1) that result in multiple neurological and cognitive deficits (1-3). Intensive MS research studies have investigated modulating the immune system (4). Common therapeutic strategies are effective in slowing disease progression and attenuating the symptoms, but they cannot cure the disease. The option of preventing neurodegeneration early on would be a valuable addendum to customary treatment (4). Here we suggest that application of nimodipine could be an elegant way to target both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The dihydropyridine nimodipine is commonly known as a 1.2 voltagegated L-type calcium channel antagonist and is used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases (5, 6). It also is used to prevent vasospasms after subarachnoidal hemorrhage (5) because of its high affinity for the CNS (7-9). Current research trials are examining its effects on brain injury, epilepsy, cognitive performance, and behavioral effects (6,7,10,11). Its influence on oxidative stress, neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and aging also are being investigated, especially within the hippocampus (10, 12). In addition, it was recently shown that the risk of suffering from Parkinson's disease was decreased under treatment with dihydropyridines (13). These studies suggest that nimodipine might have beneficial effects in MS as well, although its role in neurodegenerative diseases that are mediated by inflammatory events has not been well established (6). So far, nimodipine-mediated effects in the CNS have been claimed to result mainly from the modulation of neuronal activity, and studies on the potential effects of nimodipine on (micro)glia have not yet been conduct...