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Introduction
This program aims to enable students to learn about the basic pharmacology
of synaptic transmission involving neuropeptides in the central
nervous system. On completion of this package students should be
able to:
- outline the structure and physiological properties of a range
of neuropeptide transmitters;
- explain the process of peptidergic transmission;
- describe the postsynaptic mechanism of action of neuropeptides;
- describe the methods by which peptides are studied;
- explain the principles of how drugs modify neuropeptidergic transmission.
Program Content
This highly interactive program covers: the structure and physiological
properties of neuropeptides; peptidergic transmission (synthesis,
transport, release, postsynaptic action and inactivation); the major
methods by which peptides are studied (immunohistochemical, radioimmunoassay
and enzyme-linked immunoassay techniques) and drugs affecting peptide-mediated
transmission. Each of these sections describes principles and uses
the specific example of opioids to illustrate them. The program
assumes a basic knowledge of synaptic transmission covered in another
program, "Central Synaptic Transmission". The program
may be used for independent study (primary learning or revision).
The interactive questions may be useful for self assessment. The
program contains a HELP facility and a bibliography
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