Lecturer: Margot Ernst
Fields: Neuropharmacology
Content
The molecular foundation for nervous system (NS) function will be introduced in part 1, ranging from the smallest vital units (water, salt, fat) to the largest biochemicals (DNA, RNA, proteins). Selected so-called transmitter systems will be introduced in order to convey a feeling for the molecular complexity and how food and drugs act on the NS. Molecules relevant for nociception and pain will be in the focus.
In part 2, the vast complexity of cells that comprise the NS will be introduced, alongside with the genetic basis of the cellular pre- and postnatal development. The basis for adapting to the environment is provided by cellular and molecular traces made by physical, chemical and complex (e.g. social) stimuli that act on the organism. Cellular key players that contribute to pain perception and memory will be highlighted.
In part 3, the small parts will be put together and selected so-called “systems” will be introduced. Nociception and pain, and the concept of “aversive responses” will be examined in some detail, as well as the neural correlates of pain memory and phantom pain.
In part 4, selected means to interact with the NS are examined, and some of the challenges and chances for future development highlighted. Progressing from non invasive to invasive (e.g. implants), various selected means to influence nociception and pain perception, as well as the aversive reactions to painful stimuli, illustrate some basic principles.
Literature
- Sapolsky, “Behave” ISBN 978-1-59420-507-1
- Bear et al., Exploring the Brain, ISBN 10: 0781760038
Lecturer
Margot Ernst holds a PhD from Georgia Tech (US) and currently works at the Medical University of Vienna. Her research focus is on the neuropharmacology of substances that act on GABA-A receptors.
Affiliation: Medical University of Vienna
Homepage: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/forschung/researcher-profiles/researcher-profiles/detail/?res=margot_ernst&cHash=4e3cbaeed73c322fd75003c0ef8d6061