The rapid actions of vitamin D compounds are surveyed in a variety of target tissues, including intestine, muscle, bone, hepatocytes, fibroblasts, HL-60 cells, kidney, mammary gland, and parathyroid. Evidence for non-nuclear receptors vs. membranophilic effects is discussed, followed by a consideration of signal transduction mechanisms including steroid hormone activated Ca2+ channels, phospholipid metabolism, protein kinases, and the role of G-proteins.