Endocrine Pharmacology B (U01040)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : MED-4-PHep2

The Course will be organised and examined as a pair with Endocrine Pharmacology A.

Module Content: Endocrinology is the study of hormones and how they impact on target organs distinct and far from their site of origin. Intracrinology is an advancing field determining how hormones act within the same tissue and even within the same cell from which they are derived. This module will run in parallel with and will draw on the basic principles taught regarding steroid hormone action in Endocrine Pharmacology 1: Fundamental Mechanisms. Students will be shown how steroid hormone actions may be manipulated therapeutically. The module will demonstrate the pathophysiological consequences of aberrant action of steroid hormones and the problems that arise (eg: hypertension, diabetes, obesity, fertility disorders, breast cancer, prostate cancer). The approaches taken therapeutically to correct hormone imbalance will be discussed. In addition further therapeutic uses of steroid hormones eg. anti-inflammatory agents, contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) will be presented. Future targets of pharmacotherapy will be identified and the role of pharmocogenomics in this field discussed.

Module Structure: The module will comprise a series of seminars (1-2h/day) across an eleven week period delivered by non-clinical and clinical scientists from Edinburgh and also invited external speakers. These lectures will draw on their own expertise and research interests to provide an up-to-date presentation of current scientific understanding highlighting areas of research excellence in Edinburgh. Students will participate in a debate discussing the potential of a novel therapeutic target and will prepare a 1000 word essay on this topic. Feedback will be offered.