This course examines the transport, synthesis, and release of molecules that are know neurotransmitters. The production of lipids, their breakdown and role as neurotransmitters will be explored. Students are responsible for understanding the pathways of all known nerve transmitters and their interactions in the central nervous system. Additionally, students will learn the mechanisms of precursor materials transport for neurotransmitter production from the bloodstream across the blood-brain barrier, and the rates thereof, as well as the implications of precursor materials availability and how they will affect neural transmission.
Students choose a topic from the list of topics on the
assignments page by the end of fourth week of the term. The paper is submitted by week #13 of the term.
Cooper, Bloom, and Roth. The Biochemical Basis of Neuropharmacology. 7th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.