Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (BIO/VETS242).
Synopsis
1
Introduction and Trophic support I
2 Trophic support
II
These lectures cover the anatomy of afferent and efferent
blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
composition, production, flow and re-absorbtion are also covered in some detail.
Effects of CSF flow occlusion, tumours and infections are covered briefly.
To
develop a simple overview of the organisation of the CNS, development is
briefly considered so that major subdivisions can be appreciated.
4 Gross anatomy of brain
The
above lecture leads into a description of the gross anatomy of the brain. This
is mainly covered to give some points of reference for subsequent lectures on pathways.
The lecture also defines clear limits to the depth of knowledge required. This
is reinforced in the demonstration class (below).
5 Synaptic
transmission I: Cellular Anatomy
A description of the structure and function of the major
cell types in the CNS, including both neurones and glial cells. Common methods
of cell visualization are also discussed. The distinction between automatic
behaviours, reflexes, responses
6 Synaptic
transmission II: Synapses
A review of synaptic transmission in the context of neurological
function. Ionotropic and metabotropic
synaptic receptors.
7 Practical:Histology
Sections of sample regions of the CNS (Spinal cord,
cerebellum and cortex) are examined with particular reference to the meninges,
distinctions between grey and white matter, nuclei, cortical and cerebellar layering. This explains the
organisational principles, but is not intended to be a comprehensive review of
CNS histology.
8 Demonstration:
Gross anatomy
The
gross anatomy of the brain is studied with reference to a series of specimens.
The demonstration posses a range of questions concerning function to reinforce
a consideration of function.
9 General Anaesthetics
I
A general description of the mechanisms of action, and
routes of administration of the general anaesthetics.
10 G.A.2: inhalation
Specific examples of inhalation anaesthetics. Details of kinetics, advantages and
disadvantages of inhalation anaesthetics.
11 Somatosensory I
12 Somatosensory
II
13 Somatosensory III
These
lectures cover the signalling and interpretation of sensory information from
the body. They include, touch, proprioception, kinaesthesia, thermal sensation and
pain. The receptor mechanisms, primary afferents, and central pathways
are covered. Descending inhibition and the functions of the reticular formation
are discussed. Sensory abnormalities leading to motor disturbance such as in
Wobbler syndrome are discussed.
14 G.A.3:- iv
Coverage
of intravenous anaesthetics, specific properties of agents including the
barbiturates, propofol, saffan and ketamine.
15 Sedatives/hypnotics
A
description of the usage and pharmacology (a) the a2
modulators, (b) guaiaphenesin and (c) metomidate.
16 Cranial Nerves I
17 Cranial Nerves II
The
basic name and function of the Cranial Nerves will be described, however the
chief discussion will be on functional tests for each of the cranial nerves.
Cranial nerve reflexes of importance in neurological diagnosis are discussed.
18 Special senses: Vision I
19 Special senses: Vision II
Vision
will be discussed from a neuroscience perspective. Begining with the retina,
this lecture covers the conversion of light to biological signals (phototransduction)
and the transmission of this signal through the visual pathway to the visual
cortex. Interpretation of this signal
(perception) is also covered. Differences
in visual system between species are emphasised. Some neurological disorders
of the visual system are also considered.
20 Special senses: Hearing
Hearing
will be discussed from a neuroscience perspective.
This lecture covers the electromechanical transduction of the auditory
signal and the auditory pathway to the auditory cortex. Neurological disorders of hearing are covered
briefly.
21 Special senses: Olfaction & Taste.
This lecture will cover the mechanisms of taste
and smell transduction and the olfactory and gustatory pathways.
22 Tranquillisers
The
distinction between the tranquillisers and the sedatives/hypnotics. Also, a discussion of phenothiazines,
butyrophenones and benzodiazepines.
23 Opioids 1
Receptor
subtypes, drug classification (pure and mixed antagonists), neuroleptanalgesia.
24 Motor system I
25 Motor system II
26 Motor system III
(a)
Review of the reflex arc, muscle spindles etc.,. (b) The pyramidal
(cortico-spinal) tract (c) The motor cortex (d) the vestibula-cerebellar system
(e) Introduction to the basal ganglia (f) Some brainstem systems. Emphasis is placed on motor systems known to
be of clinical importance in domestic animals. The result of damage to these
systems is discussed and a preliminary introduction to disturbance of motor
function in relation to neurological diagnosis is given.
27 Opioids 2
Continued
from "opioids 1".
28 Restraint & Euthanasia.
Description
of chemicals used in SA and LA euthanasia
.
29 Sensory motor integration
To
illustrate the integrated nature of nervous system function the vestibular
system and balance, and oculomotor control are considered.
30 Behavioural regulation 1
31 Regulation of food intake and feeding I and II
Regulation
of food intake and feeding - This will include an introduction to energy balance
and discuss those brain regions controlling appetite, long- and short-term
regulation of food intake. Also covered are factors controlling food intake
such as fat, brain and gut signals.
32 Learning & memory
This
lecture summarises the neurological basis of animal learning and memory.
A generalised hypothesis of learning & memory from the level of molecular
events to whole-brain structures is presented.
33 Neurological diagnosis
To
provide a summative applied perspective to the course, the processes of a
detailed neurological diagnosis is explained and the interpretation of tests
discussed. The process of combining observations logically to isolate deficits
is emphasised.
34 Analgesia and Colic
Analgesia
& Colic in the horse. Associated problems of therapy.
35 Behavioural modification
Drugs
used to modify behaviour (tranquillisers, SSRIs , b - blockers )
36 Video: Neurological Cases
Videos
of Neurological cases are shown and an interactive discussion of their
interpretation is encouraged. These videos demonstrate the application of
neurological diagnosis and illustrate the need to observe behaviour carefully.
37 Analeptics
Analeptics
and a review of CNS pharmacology