Neuropharmacology: NSC 4363

Spring 2006
Chemical signalling in the nervous system
TTh 12:30-1:45, GR4.301

Instructor: Dr. Tres Thompson

Office: GR 4.814
Phone: 972-883-4933
Office hours: T 11-noon
e-mail: tres@utdallas.edu
web-page: http://www.utdallas.edu/~tres

T.A.: Chana Williford

Office: GR 4.714
Office hours: TTh 2-3 pm; others by appointment
Phone: 972-883-2375
e-mail: spike@student.utdallas.edu

Texts: Hammond (2001), Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (2nd ed.) [ H ].

Siegel et al. (1999), Basic neurochemistry (7th ed.). Lippincott Press. [ S ].
Both are available at Off-Campus books and the UTD bookstore.

This course introduces and discusses in depth three major areas of neuropharmacology:
(1) the bioavailability of compounds that we class as drugs (i.e. those compounds with receptor
mediated actions); (2) the cellular mechanisms that produce drug actions in the nervous system and
its targets; (3) specific drug effects (and side-effects), divided topically by receptor type.
Agonist, antagonist, and mixed effects will be discussed and analyzed from the molecular and
cellular to the behavioral level.
No prior background in cell biology or biochemistry is assumed--all topics will be covered fully
in class. Interactive discussion is intended to broaden everyone's understanding and integration of
the materials covered.

Course Objectives:
1. students will learn and use proper scientific terminology for neurotransmitters,
neurotransmitter receptors, and neurotransmitter receptor/effector systems.
2. students will learn and use information about specific ligands (drugs) interacting with
neurotransmitter systems.
3. students will learn to evaluate clinical and non-clinical applications of selected ligands.

Knowledge Outcomes:
1. students will demonstrate knowledge of neurotransmitter / receptor / effector system
terminology by proper application of that terminology in discussions and on exams
2. students must learn to correctly identify ligands, their mechanism of action, and effects
3. students will demonstrate integration of the knowledge above with knowledge from discussions
of clinical and non-clinical use of drugs
Grading: There will be three comprehensive exams plus a final. Material for these exams will be
taken from class lectures and discussion, so attendance is strongly encouraged. Supplemental
material not available in the texts will be presented in class. The format of the exam questions is
designed to be challenging and to encourage integrative thought about the material; matching, fill-in-
the-blank, short answer, and multiple-choice questions will be used. The texts serve as background
material for class discussion, not as a final voice of authority. Reading the assignments prior to
each class is advisable, expected, and required. Grading will be based on points received on the
exams and on class participation. On-time class attendance and participation in class discussion is
strongly encouraged.

Class Schedule:

Date Suggested reading Topics

Jan 10 (H 1-3) introduction to neuropharmacology
Jan 12 - drug uptake, distribution, etc.
Jan 17 S 10; H 8 neurotransmitter release
Jan 19 S 10; H 7 neurotransmitter binding & kinetics
Jan 24 S 19 G-proteins
Jan 26 S 20-23 2nd messengers & beyond
Jan 31 Exam 1
Feb 2 H 5; S6 depolarizing ion channels I
Feb 7 H 6, 17-19 depolarizing ion channels II
Feb 9 H 4, 17-18 hyperpolarizing ion channels
Feb 14 S 15; H 11 glutamate I: AMPA/kainate
Feb 16 S 15; H 11 glutamate II: NMDA
Feb 21 S 15; H 14 glutamate III: metabotropic
Feb 23 S 16; H 10 inhibition I: glycine, GABAA, GABAC
Feb 28 S 16; H 13 inhibition II: GABAB*
Mar 2 Exam 2
Mar 7, 9 Spring Break
Mar 14 S 11; H 9 cholinergic nicotinic
Mar 16 S 11; H 17 cholinergic muscarinic
Mar 21 S 12 biogenic amines: DA
Mar 23 S 12 biogenic amines: NE
Mar 28 S 13 biogenic amines: 5-HT
Mar 30 S 14 biogenic amines: histamine etc.
Apr 4 Exam 3
Apr 6 S 18 peptides: opiates
Apr 11 S 18, 49 peptides: steroid hormones
Apr 13 S 18 peptides: other
Apr 18 S 17 purines**
Apr 20 S 53 alcohol, anesthetics, drugs of abuse
Apr 27 Comprehensive Final Exam, 11 a.m. Thursday