Neuropharmacology: NSC 4363

Spring 2005
Chemical signalling in the nervous system
TTh 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. JO4.102

Instructor: Dr. Tres Thompson

Office: JO 4.310
Phone: 972-883-4933
Office hours: T 2-3:30 pm
e-mail: tres@utdallas.edu
web-page: http://www.utdallas.edu/~tres
[Students are encouraged to consult the course web-site regularly]

T.A.: Chana Williford

Office: GR 4.714
Office hours: ThF 11-12 pm; others by appointment
Phone: 972-883-2375
e-mail: spike@student.utdallas.edu
[Students are STRONGLY encouraged to get to know Chana before you need help]

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

Siegel et al. (1999), Basic neurochemistry (6th ed.). Lippincott Press. [ S ].
Both are available at Off-Campus books and the UTD bookstore.

Course objectives: The 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 subjects covered. Success will require keeping up with all readings and discussions.

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, on class participation, and on a written library assignment (development of your own exam
questions, noted below). Class discussion is strongly encouraged.
Class schedule:

Date Suggested reading Topics

Jan 11 (H 1,3) introduction to neuropharmacology
Jan 13 S 32 drug uptake, distribution, etc.
Jan 18 H 8; S 10 neurotransmitter release
Jan 20 S 10; H 7 neurotransmitter binding & kinetics
Jan 25 S 20 G-proteins
Jan 27 S 21-26 2nd messengers & beyond
Feb 1 Exam 1
Feb 3 H 5; S6 depolarizing ion channels I
Feb 8 H 6, 17-19 depolarizing ion channels II
Feb 10 H 4, 17-18 hyperpolarizing ion channels
Feb 15 H 11; S 15 glutamate I: AMPA/kainate
Feb 17 H 11; S 15 glutamate II: NMDA
Feb 22 H 14: S 15 glutamate III: metabotropic
Feb 24 H 10; S 16 inhibition I: glycine, GABAA, GABAC
Mar 1 H 13; S 16 inhibition II: GABAB*
Mar 3 Exam 2
Mar 8, 10 Spring Break
Mar 15 S 11; H 9 cholinergic nicotinic
Mar 17 S 11; H 17 cholinergic muscarinic
Mar 22 S 12 biogenic amines: DA
Mar 24 S 12 biogenic amines: NE
Mar 29 S 13 biogenic amines: 5-HT
Mar 31 S 14 biogenic amines: histamine etc.
Apr 5 Exam 3
Apr 7 S 18 peptides: opiates
Apr 12 S 18, 49 peptides: steroid hormones
Apr 14 S 17, 18 peptides: other, purines
Apr 19 S 17 alcohol, anesthetics**
Apr 21 S 53 drugs of abuse
Apr 28 Comprehensive Final Exam, 2 p..m. Thursday

Extra credit assignment-- find an original journal article from a peer reviewed Neuroscience journal
that discusses a drug or receptor system covered in class, but adds new information. Generate a set
of 5 full examination questions based on the article, with correct answers indicated (exceptions:
if you do T/F questions, must generate 10 questions). Questions may be short answer, fill in the
blank, diagram or chart request, multiple-choice, etc. Value of extra credit assignment: up to 10 pts.
*This is the last date for instructor approval of your selected article.
**This is the last date that a copy of this journal paper and 3 exam questions will be accepted (they
can be turned in anytime after approval).