Courses:

Course Info

• Course Number / Code:
• 9.15 (Fall 2007) 
• Course Title:
• Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Synaptic Transmission 
• Course Level:
• Undergraduate / Graduate 
• Offered by :
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  Massachusetts, United States  
• Department:
• Brain and Cognitive Sciences 
• Course Instructor(s):
• Prof. Richard Wurtman 
• Course Introduction:
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  9.15 / 9.150 Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Synaptic Transmission
  
  
  
  

  Fall 2007

  
  
  

  
  
  

  Course Highlights

  
  
  

  
  
  9.15 / 9.150 Biochemistry and Pharmacology of Synaptic Transmission
  
  
  
  

  Fall 2007

  
  
  

  

  Image of the neurotransmitter serotonin. (Image courtesy of MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences.)

  
  
  

  Course Description

  
  
  

  This course considers the process of neurotransmission, especially chemicals used in the brain and elsewhere to carry signals from nerve terminals to the structures they innervate. We focus on monoamine transmitters (acetylcholine; serotonin; dopamine and norepinephrine); we also examine amino acid and peptide transmitters and neuromodulators like adenosine. Macromolecules that mediate neurotransmitter synthesis, release, inactivation and receptor-mediated actions are discussed, as well as factors that regulate their activity and the second-messenger systems and ion fluxes that they control. The involvement of particular neurotransmitters in human diseases is considered.