Pharmacology course applies the general principles of pharmacology to drug classes and their therapeutic use in different pathological conditions, defining the characteristics of the molecules belonging to the different classes based on their therapeutic potential, the mechanism of action, the routes of administration, pharmacokinetic characteristics, side effects and toxicity. The course therefore aims to provide knowledge on the mechanisms of action of representative drugs belonging to main classes of drugs, as far as pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects and therapeutic use of drugs is concerned, also through active, interactive and constructive teaching methods.
To provide in-depth and current knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the action of drugs belonging to main classes of drugs, on the pharmacological modulation of cellular responses, on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, undesirable effects and toxicological aspects of the main classes of drugs and on their use as a therapeutic tool. Future therapeutic and rational perspectives for the design of new approaches and new drugs that selectively intervene in cellular and molecular mechanisms relevant in different pathological conditions.
Aims:
To applicate the general principles of pharmacology to drug classes and their therapeutic use
To provide in-depth and detailed knowledge on main classes of drugs and their use as therapeutic strategies in pathological conditions, on cellular and molecular mechanisms of the drug actions, on the pharmacological modulation of cellular responses.
To provide knowledge of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, adverse side effects and toxic effects of representative drugs of the main classes of drugs.
New therapeutic perspectives and rationale to the design of new drugs able to selectively interfere with chosen cellular and molecular mechanisms.
To develop the student's aptitude to critically evaluate and apply the general concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to classes of drugs and single molecules used for therapeutic purposes. To provide transversal skills such as functional literacy competence and social competence, through active, interactive and constructive teaching methodologies.
Learning outcomes:
Ability to applicate the general principles of pharmacology to drug classes and their therapeutic use. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action of main classes of drugs and of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic of main representative molecules of the drug class. Comprehension of the basic concepts for therapeutic uses of the drugs and of the rationale for drug use. Acquisition of transversal skills (in particular, functional literacy and social competence), as verified by the ability to organize work team on selected classes of drugs, to present the topic to the class, and to discuss it critically.
Lectures. In this context, active, interactive and constructive teaching methods will also be used: students will be invited to work in groups on specific topics, organizing themselves within the working group, then presenting the results of the work to the class, with a subsequent discussion and analysis guided by the teacher. In this way, the objectives of transversal competences (in particular, functional literacy and social competence) will also be achieved.
NEUROTRANSMISSION AND SIGNALLING IN NERVOUS SYSTEM
Introductory remarks on intercellular communication in the nervous system: the neurotransmission; regulation of neurotransmission. Neurons and astrocytes: release of neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters; receptors for neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters – homodimerization, heteromerization and receptor mosaics. The vesicular exocytotic cycle and toxins
CHOLINERGIC SYSTEM – ADRENERGIC SYSTEM
Synthesis and catabolism of neurotransmitters; cholinergic and noradrenergic transmission in central nervous system and autonomic nervous system
DRUGS OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Cholinomimetic drugs and anticholinergic drugs: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
Sympathomimetic and alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
Ganglioplegic drugs: mechanisms of action and effects, adverse drug reaction, therapeutic uses
Neuromuscular-blocking drugs: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
DRUGS OF THE DOPAMINERGIC SYSTEM
Introductory remarks on dopaminergic neurotransmission
Antiparkinson agents: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
Antipsychotic drugs: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
SEROTONERGIC DRUGS
Introductory remarks on serotonergic neurotransmission
Antidepressants: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
Introductory remarks on therapy of migraine
DRUGS OF THE GABAERGIC SYSTEM
Introductory remarks on GABAergic neurotransmission
Anxiolytics: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
Antiepileptic drugs: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses
THE GLUTAMATERGIC SYSTEM
Introductory remarks on glutamatergic neurotransmission
Ionotropic and metabotropic receptors for glutamate
Excitotoxicity. Mechanisms of excitotoxicity; Introductory remarks on neurodegenerative disease and excitotoxic mechanisms
ANTIARRHYTHMIC DRUGS
Mechanisms of action and effects of antiarrhythmic drugs, side effects, therapeutic uses. New targets for antiarrhythmic drugs; research and development of new drugs
INOTROPIC AGENTS
Cardiac glycosides: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses. Other inotropic agents. New targets for inotropic agents; research and development of new drugs
DRUGS FOR ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE
Introductory remarks on pathophysiology of coronary blood flow dysfunction and ischemic cardiopathy; potential targets for pharmacological intervention.
Drug for chest pain: mechanisms of action and effects, side effects, therapeutic uses.
Slides from the lectures will be available (download from Aula WEB)
Ricevimento: By appointment
MANUELA MARCOLI (President)
GUIDO MAURA
CHIARA CERVETTO (President Substitute)
For lessons start and timetable go to the link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/
Please check the module Aulaweb page for timetable updates dependent on the sanitary and epidemic situation.
PHARMACOLOGY II
Oral examination
Questions to figure out the student knowing and understanding the topic, and of the abilityto apply the basic knowledge of pharmacology principles to classes of drugs. Questions to assess the level of knowledge, insight, and critical knowledge
Course attendance is recommended
