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CODE 66684
ACADEMIC YEAR 2023/2024
CREDITS
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR BIO/14
TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
SEMESTER 2° Semester
TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB

OVERVIEW

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.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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 AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

TEACHING METHODS

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.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

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.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • Golan DE et al – Principi di farmacologia – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
  • Goodman & Gilmans – Le basi farmacologiche della terapia – McGraw-Hill

Slides from the lectures will be available (download from Aula WEB)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MANUELA MARCOLI (President)

GUIDO MAURA

CHIARA CERVETTO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

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.

 

Class schedule

PHARMACOLOGY II

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

Course attendance is recommended