This module builds on the material covered in PHAR0011 Molecular Pharmacology. It covers the mechanisms involved in the generation of a response following receptor activation, either by a natural hormone or neurotransmitter or by drug action, and how drugs may interfere with receptor-mediated responses. 

Mechanisms involving ligand-gated ion channels, voltage-dependent sodium, calcium and potassium channels, G-proteins, second messengers (e.g. inositol phosphates, cAMP) and cellular kinases are then considered in detail, together with the role of calcium. The material is supplemented by group presentations and discussion of selected research papers related to the core lectures and by the preparation of an essay (Level-6 students) or data interpretation exercise (Level-7 students). 

On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate critical understanding of the following topics: 

1) Mechanism of action of G-protein coupled receptors. 

2) Secondary messengers: Ca2+,  inositol phosphates, cAMP and protein kinases 

3) Ligand gated ion channel receptor mechanisms. 

4) Voltage-gated ion channel structure and function. 

This module is an option for students in BSc/MSci Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry and related degree programmes (including Physiology, Neuroscience, and relevant streams of Biomedical and Natural Sciences) and postgraduate students studying MSc Biomedical Sciences and appropriate MRes programmes. It is assumed that students taking this module will have studied aspects of physiology and biochemistry for at least two years at University level. It is normally a pre-requisite that students taking this module will have also or be studying PHAR0011: Molecuar Pharmacology. 

Indicative lecture list (based on 2020/21 syllabus) 

Receptor Desensitisation 

LGIC Receptor Mechanisms and Synaptic Currents 

Antagonism 

NMDA receptor activation 

Receptor trafficking 

GPCR Desensitisation and Trafficking (2 lectures) 

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and G Proteins (2 lectures) 

Structure and Function of Calcium Channels (2 lectures) 

Voltage-dependent Sodium Channels. 

Potassium Channel Structure and Function (3 lectures) 

G-Protein Modulation of K-Channels 

PIP2 Regulation of M-Type K-Channels 

IP3 and Calcium Signalling 

AMP dependent Signalling (2 lectures) 

Inositol Lipid – Cell Signalling (2 lectures) 