Learning objectives
Aims to provide deeper knowledge of membrane excitability within the the specific context of cardiac physiology, autonomic and pharmacological modulation.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of cell biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and mathematics.
Course unit content
Molecular mechanisms of cellular excitability, particularly for what concerns cardiac excitability. Excitatio-contraction coupling, mechanism of cardiac pacemaker and its autonomic modulation.
Full programme
1. ion channels: structure, function, pharmacology. Gap junctions: structure, function, gating
2. the current clamp technique and the measure of passive electrical properties
3. the voltage clamp technique and the study of membrane ion currents
4. gating theory for the fast sodium current
5. patch clamp technique and single channel currents
6. the heart: action potential of pacemaker cells; intrinsic cellular regulation of heart beat; intrinsic regulation of cardiac working cells action potential; autonomic mechanisms of heart rate and cardiac contractility
Bibliography
Robert M. Berne e Matthew N. Levy: FISIOLOGIA - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana - (VI edizione 2010)
Slides of the course and further material are provided on-line to the students
Teaching methods
oral lessons with projection of slides
Assessment methods and criteria
final oral examination
Other information
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