Aims & Learning Objectives: To familiarise the student with recent advances in respiratory pharmacology and current areas of research of particular importance and interest. After taking this unit the student should demonstrate an understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of lung disease and targets for pharmacological intervention.
Content: Selected topics covering recent developments in the understanding of respiratory diseases and identification of new pharmacological targets, such as: Cystic Fibrosis: molecular biology and regulation of CFTR, relationship between CFTR and disease, pharmacological regulation of CFTR, host defence in cystic fibrosis. Asthma: chemical and cellular mediators, neuronal control of the airways, new and prospective treatments. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: gene transcription and potential for therapy. Pulmonary hypertension and oedema, hypoxia and anoxia: mechanisms and pharmacological targets
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