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Molecular Basis of Nerve Excitability

Class at Faculty of Science |
MB150P55

Syllabus

Theoretical part contains biophysical description of electrochemical and equilibrium potentials across the excitable membrane and is followed by molecular anatomy of ion channels and membrane pumps with respect to primary structure, amino acid residues and energy barriers across the ion channel. The properties and behaviour of mutated ion channels will be described on the basis of molecular, biophysical and anatomical methods. Ionic hypothesis of the resting and action potential as well as synaptic transmission will be presented. This enables the principal understanding of excitatory and inhibitory pre- and postsynaptic currents and resulting different output during fast information transfer. SNARE (SNAP-receptor) of Ca triggered exocytosis will be explained in terms of synaptic vesicle trafficking pathway: filling, priming, docking and vesicle-fusion-release of neurotransmitters. Students will be trained on basic electrophysiological methods such as intracellular glass microelectrodes for current, voltage and patch clamp recordings, data collection and processing.

References:

Zigmond, M.J. et al., "Fundamental Neuroscience", Academic Press, 1999.

Hammond C. "Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology", Academic Press 1996.

Hille, B. "Ionic Channels of Excitable Membranes", Sinauer Assoc. 1992.

Annotation

Please note, the course is in Czech language only.

This is a compulsory optional course (lectures and practical training) for master students studying animal physiology and neurobiology. It is facultative for other students interested in biomedical sciences.