Learning objectives
Elucidate the meaning of membrane excitability, of its modulation and propagation, as general emchanisms developed in many different contexts of biological world.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of concepts from General Physiology and from Cellular Biophysics; electrochemical potential, chemical and electrical synapses.
Course unit content
Excitability is the property of some cell membrane of reposnding to stimuli of different kind with all-or-nothing electrical signals (action potentials); it is a key feature of some of the most fundamentals biological functions, e.g. nervous and cardiovascular function, it is present also in prokaryotes, protists, green algae, and in plants. The aim of the course is to clarify basic concepts concerning molecular mechanism of action potential and of its propagation. These arguments will be treated through discussion of recent scientific publications, which will be presented to students and provided as support to the course. Particular emphasis will be made on: pacemaker mechanism and their regulation, as well as excitation-contraction coupling.
Full programme
1. mechamism of membrane potential
2. mechanism of action potential
3. methods for the measure of membrane potential (current clamp, voltage clamp, coupling clamp, action potential clamp, dynamic clamp).
4. methods for measuring the gating properties of ion channels in voltage clamp.
5. numerical reconstruction of action potential from experimental data.
6. action potential properties: rheobase, cronaxy, refractoriness, electrical restitution, dynamic restitution, input resistance.
7. action potential propagation
Bibliography
V. Taglietti, C. Casella. Principi di Fisiologia e Biofisica della Cellula; Vol. 2: Scambi tra cellula e ambiente.
La Goliardica Pavese s.r.l.
together with additional material, which is provided on line to the students
Teaching methods
Oral lessons with projected slides. Specialistic seminars are provided as well.
Assessment methods and criteria
Final Oral examination.
Other information
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