SMOB14001U Cellular Neuroscience

The goal of the course is to give the students an overview of methods used to study functions of the central nervous system. We provide an insight in signaling mechanisms in neurons and networks of neurons by describing how the molecular mechanisms of electrical and chemical signalling are adapted to serve synaptic transmission, synaptic integration and nerve impulse generation. The Course illustrates how experiments led to textbook knowledge and provide insight in experimental procedures, techniques and preparations.
The course includes theoretical and practical elements. The theory focuses on cellular and molecular properties of neurons and their implications in physiological functions.
In addition to basic subjects, the course highlights a) The role of the non-linear postsynaptic properties provided by voltage sensitive ion channels in dendrites.
b) Modulation of these properties by G-protein coupled receptors.
c) Functional specialization of cell types in particular brain regions and
d) Signaling networks in particular brain regions.
The Practical part includes demonstrations of preparations of nerve tissues in vitro, recording electrical activity from neurons with patch clamp techniques in slices preparations. Each student gets the opportunity to record from living neurons and to characterize some of the transmembrane currents responsible for firing properties by means of electrophysiological and pharmacological tools.