OVERVIEW

Electrophysiology includes various experimental techniques for the investigation of membrane ion channels and transporters and the study of the electrical signals associated with them.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to introduce the most important electrophysiological techniques, namely the patch-clamp technique, in various configurations, and the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique (TECV) applied to Xenopus oocytes. The course will examine the related theoretical aspects and will present the functional and structural features of the main families of ionic channels and electrogenic transporters localized on both plasma and intracellular membranes.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and active participation in the proposed educational activities (lectures and laboratory activities) and individual study will enable the student to:

- to know the theoretical and experimental aspects of the heterologous expression of ion channels and transporters in Xenopus oocytes and of the relative technique of the double microelectrode voltage-clamp (TECV);

- to know the theoretical and experimental aspects of the patch-clamp technique.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and laboratory activities.

For the first semester, the lessons will be carried out if possible in the presence, however guaranteeing the fruition of the lessons even remotely, through video recording, synchronous or asynchronous. The laboratory exercises will be organized possibly in the presence. All face-to-face activities will be carried out in compliance with the capacity limits of the classrooms / laboratories and the distance provided for by the current legislation following the emergency COVID19.

Please refer to AulaWeb for any updates due to changes in the epidemiological situation.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Elements of electrophysiology: fundamental constants, resistance and membrane capacity. Ions in aqueous solution: the Nernst equation. Ion channels and transporters. The membrane potential: hyperpolarization and depolarization. What is the voltage-clamp. The theory of the patch-clamp technique. Main families of ion channels and transporters. Laboratory activities: the TECV and the patch-clamp technique.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Kandell et al. Principal of Neural Science, 5/ed. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

- Hille B (2001) Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes, Third Edition. Oxford University Press

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ARMANDO CARPANETO (President)

GIUSEPPINA ALBINA BARBERIS

MAURO MARIOTTI

LAURA CORNARA (President Substitute)

LUIGI MINUTO (Substitute)

CARLO ALESSANDRO MONTANARI (Substitute)

ENRICA ROCCOTIELLO (Substitute)

MIRCA ZOTTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Preparation of a power-point presentation on electrophysiological techniques; one general question.