Industrial pharmacy

4,087 / 5,000 The training will consist of lectures, laboratory exercises, and small-group work. Specifically, students will learn theoretical and practical concepts on various pharmacological experimental techniques selected from the following: Program Isolated Organ. They will observe the preparation of circularly oriented human colon strips, their placement in thermostated chambers immersed in Krebs solution, and their connection to isotonic transducers. They will then follow the experiment and demonstrate the creation of a concentration-response curve for the inhibition of colonic contraction induced by activation of postganglionic parasympathetic neurons by an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Endocrine Disruptors. Identification and characterization of the adverse effects of food and environmental contaminants, particularly endocrine disruptors, through various approaches (epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro). To characterize adverse effects on the central nervous system, metabolism, and hormone synthesis, in vitro studies employ selected human and murine cellular models of target organs, such as immortalized mouse hypothalamic cells, immortalized human liver cells, or human adrenal tumor cells. Following treatment at dose levels relevant to human exposure, cells are analyzed for a series of functional, gene, and/or protein markers to characterize the adverse effects of the test substances. Histopathological analysis (fixation, embedding, cutting, staining, and optical microscopy) of animal tissues to assess the potential damage induced by the substance on organs and tissues. Treatment of cell lines with chemicals (e.g., contaminants, pesticides, etc.) Cytotoxicity testing Assessment of DNA damage using the Comet assay. Theoretical study of animal testing and the study of small rodent behavior. The first section explores the important ethical perspective of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in the context of animal experimentation. This in-depth study not only provides a more nuanced understanding of the principles guiding research but also offers ethical reflection on strategies to minimize the impact of animal use. In the second part, students will be introduced to the rudiments of studying the behavior of small rodents, a crucial aspect for understanding pharmacological effects. This section includes a detailed practical description (using videos and apparatus) of tests aimed at assessing memory, anxiety, attention, and other behavioral parameters. This hands-on approach allows students to acquire concrete skills in designing and conducting behavioral experiments, a fundamental tool for evaluating pharmacological impacts in animal models. The integration of these two sections provides students with a comprehensive perspective, connecting ethical foundations to the concrete practice of behavioral research. Stem cells. In-depth study of rare genetic diseases using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patient skin biopsies, followed by functional characterization studies of the cell type of interest (e.g., neurons and cardiomyocytes). Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into cardiomyocytes or neurons in the laboratory by adding specific growth factors to the culture media that induce differentiation. Students will observe cultured cells under the microscope and conduct functional characterization experiments on neurons derived from dedifferentiated skin cells.

No specific prerequisites

Material provided by the Professor

Compulsory attendance

Oral presentation of brief report prepared by the student

Lectures and practical trainings

4,087 / 5,000 The training will consist of lectures, laboratory exercises, and small-group work. Specifically, students will learn theoretical and practical concepts on various pharmacological experimental techniques selected from the following: Program Isolated Organ. They will observe the preparation of circularly oriented human colon strips, their placement in thermostated chambers immersed in Krebs solution, and their connection to isotonic transducers. They will then follow the experiment and demonstrate the creation of a concentration-response curve for the inhibition of colonic contraction induced by activation of postganglionic parasympathetic neurons by an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Endocrine Disruptors. Identification and characterization of the adverse effects of food and environmental contaminants, particularly endocrine disruptors, through various approaches (epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro). To characterize adverse effects on the central nervous system, metabolism, and hormone synthesis, in vitro studies employ selected human and murine cellular models of target organs, such as immortalized mouse hypothalamic cells, immortalized human liver cells, or human adrenal tumor cells. Following treatment at dose levels relevant to human exposure, cells are analyzed for a series of functional, gene, and/or protein markers to characterize the adverse effects of the test substances. Histopathological analysis (fixation, embedding, cutting, staining, and optical microscopy) of animal tissues to assess the potential damage induced by the substance on organs and tissues. Treatment of cell lines with chemicals (e.g., contaminants, pesticides, etc.) Cytotoxicity testing Assessment of DNA damage using the Comet assay. Theoretical study of animal testing and the study of small rodent behavior. The first section explores the important ethical perspective of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in the context of animal experimentation. This in-depth study not only provides a more nuanced understanding of the principles guiding research but also offers ethical reflection on strategies to minimize the impact of animal use. In the second part, students will be introduced to the rudiments of studying the behavior of small rodents, a crucial aspect for understanding pharmacological effects. This section includes a detailed practical description (using videos and apparatus) of tests aimed at assessing memory, anxiety, attention, and other behavioral parameters. This hands-on approach allows students to acquire concrete skills in designing and conducting behavioral experiments, a fundamental tool for evaluating pharmacological impacts in animal models. The integration of these two sections provides students with a comprehensive perspective, connecting ethical foundations to the concrete practice of behavioral research. Stem cells. In-depth study of rare genetic diseases using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patient skin biopsies, followed by functional characterization studies of the cell type of interest (e.g., neurons and cardiomyocytes). Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into cardiomyocytes or neurons in the laboratory by adding specific growth factors to the culture media that induce differentiation. Students will observe cultured cells under the microscope and conduct functional characterization experiments on neurons derived from dedifferentiated skin cells.

No specific prerequisites

Material provided by the Professor

Compulsory attendance

Oral presentation of brief report prepared by the student

Lectures and practical trainings