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Introduction and Objectives
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
Systemic administration of drugs can lead to serious adverse side
effects compromising therapeutic benefit in some patients. Delivery
of compounds to the central nervous system (CNS), the intended site
of action for many drugs, can be a more efficient and precise method
for achieving positive clinical outcomes. Activation of specific
proteins that reside in CNS neuronal membranes residing in specific
brain regions can site specifically adjust neuronal activity in
a way to provide therapeutic benefit. The CNS is enriched in such
molecular targets. The objective of this course is to provide the
student with a detailed understanding of the pharmaceutical and
pharmacological issues specific to direct drug delivery to the CNS.
All lectures will emphasize and integrate topics pertinent to neuropharmacology,
neuropharmacokinetics, and drug delivery.
PREREQUISITES:
Survey courses in biochemistry and cell biology or permission of
the course director
METHODS OF EXAMINATION:
There will be biweekly take-home quizzes on the reading material
(20%). There will be one comprehensive review style term paper (35%)
and one experimental design project (35%). Class participation (questions,
discussion etc.) will a part of the final evaluation (10%).
COURSE EVALUATIONS:
Evaluations on the entire course will be filled out by the students
at midterm and assessed (to permit immediate improvements/adjustments
as necessary) and post-term. The results will be tabulated and distributed
to the individual lecturers
REQUIRED TEXTS:
(Some may be just specific chapters from these texts)
1. Spinal Drug Delivery, 1st edition; Edited by Tony L. Yaksh.
Elsevier, 2002.
2. Manual of Pharmacological Calculations with Computer Programs;
Tallarida, R. J., and Murray, R. B. Springer Verlag:New York 1987;26-31.
3. Drug Synergism and Dose-Effect Data Analysis; Tallarida,
R. J. Chapnman and Hall/ CRC. 2000.
READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Reviews & primary papers identified by the lecturers.
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Credits:
3 credits (A/F only) 
Prerequisites:
Survey courses in biochemistry and cell biology or permission
of the course director 
Time:
8:15-9:45 A.M., Tuesdays and Thursdays 
Place:
6-135 Jackson Hall