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Neurobiologia de la adicciÓ (NEUROBIOLOGY OF DRUG ADDICTION)

Behavioural, functional, and molecular studies in mice have improved the understanding of different processes related with drug addiction. The aim of this module is to improve the knowledge of the different adaptive phenomena leading to drug addiction by using a multidisciplinary approach. Responsible Unit of the module (UPF-UB)

Laboratory of Neuropharmacology (UPF)

Dr. Olga Valverde
Dr. Rafael Maldonado
Dr. Fernando Berrendero
Dr. Patricia Robledo
Dr. Andrés Ozaita.
Dr. José M. Trigo Díaz

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (UB)

Dr. Carme Lluís
Dr. Enric I. Canela

Teaching Organization

The module consists in 2.5 credits: 12h lectures, 12h seminars and 6h of Oral Presentations and PBLs.

PROGRAM

1.- The mouse as a useful tool to investigate drug addiction (Dr. O. Valverde, UPF)

1 h lecture

The mouse: a useful tool to investigate the molecular and behavioural adaptive responses developed during addiction. The advantages and limitations of using genetically modified mice to investigate drug addiction


2.- Basic processes developed during drug addiction

5 h lectures

Neurobiological substrate of reward. Dopaminergic versus non-dopaminergic mechanisms (Dr. R. Maldonado-UPF).

Main phenomena developed during the addictive processes: tolerance and dependence. Physical and psychological dependence: Are these different phenomena? (Dr. A. Ozaita-UPF).

Drug addiction as an adaptive phenomenon: Cellular and molecular responses developed during this process. (Dr. A. Ozaita-UPF).

Is addiction an obsessive-compulsive disorder? Craving and Relapse (Dr. P. Robledo-UPF).

The addicted brain viewed in the light of imaging studies (Dr.P. Robledo-UPF).


3.- The main drug of abuse: Mains features

6 h lectures

Nicotine addiction: “To smoke or not to smoke” (Dr. F. Berrendero-UPF).

Ethanol addiction: “A socially accepted addiction” (Dr. F. Berrendero-UPF).

Psychostimulants and new designer drugs: Are they all different? (Dr. P. Robledo-UPF).

Opium, opioids, opiates. “The legendary addiction” (Dr. O. Valverde-UPF).

Cannabinoid addiction. What is happening with this plant? (Dr. R. Maldonado-UPF).

Seminars (2 + 1 h)

1.- Molecular basis of GPCR heterogeneity. ( Dr. E.I. Canela, UB).

2.- Interaction between drugs of abuse. Polidrug abuser (Dr. J.M. Trigo-UPF).

3.- Drug addiction and psychiatric disorders (Dr. O. Valverde-UPF).

4.- Presentation and discussion of scientific papers (Dr. F. Berrendero-UPF and Dr. A. Ozaita-UPF).