The the pharmacology and possible roles of nitric oxide, carbon-monoxide, ATP and other non-classical neurotransmitters in motor responses of visceral organs
Thesis supervisor: Loránd Barthó
Location of studies (in Hungarian): PTE ÁOK Pécs, Szigeti u. 12. Abbreviation of location of studies: ÁOK
Description of the research topic:
In addition to „classical” cholinergic and monoaminergic transmitters newer „non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic” (NANC) transmitters are being identified. New members of the neuropeptide family of transmitters are appearing. Moreover, well-known peptide transmitters can be antagonized with recently-discovered drugs only, antagonists that often act at recently-identified receptor subtypes. Our aim is to clarify the physiological/pathophysiological roles of peptide and non-peptide transmitters and modulators in motor responses of intestinal and other visceral preparations. The discovery of roles and therapeutic applications of NO has stimulated research concerning other „gasotransmitters”. There are recent data of the literature indicating motor effects of endogenous CO (produced by hem-oxygenase) on visceral motor responses. We plan to study this problem with inhibitors of hem-oxygenase and guanylate cyclase on responses evoked by nerve stimulation or selectively-activating drugs (such as the sensory neuron stimulant capsaicin; see Barthó et al., 2004, Eur. J. Pharmac. 500: 143-157). A more recent member of the gasotransmitter family is H2S. This substance can be formed in nerves and other types of cells and has both excitatory and inhibitory effects on innervated smooth muscles (e.g., by stimulating capsaicin-sensitive receptors). We plan to analyse the effect of exogenous H2S but, on the long term, also the roles of endogenous H2S. Antagonists of purine (e.g., ATP) receptors have also become available and make it possible to detect the roles of endogenous purinergic transmission. Whenever possible, we check the human relevance of our results seen on animal preparations; human visceral tissue is obtained from the operation theatre.
Number of students who can be accepted: 3
Deadline for application: 2018-05-18
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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