PCOL 530 Pharmacology and Biology of the Vessel Wall*

This course provides students a comprehensive overview of vascular biology related to physiological and pathological functios and pharmacological approaches to treatment of cardiovascular diseases, focusing on the vascular system as a target for the development of new therapeutic agents. One goal of the course is to investigate, in depth, the unique and important functions of the endothelium, e.g., as an endocrine organ, in regulation to cell adhesion, regualtion of transport across the vascular wall, control of cell growth (angiogensis, smooth muscle cell proliferation) and blood cell interactions. In addition, the consequences of dysfunction of the endothelium and pharmacological interventions to treat cardiovascular diseases are studied.

*offered even years only

PCOL 550  Biology and Pharmacology of the Lung

Ion channels are related not only to action potentials and synaptic potentials in the nervous system. The overall goal of this course is to provide students a comprehensive overview of lung biology and function, the effect of impaired lung functions in inducing several pathologies and current therapeutic regimes. This course will cover topics in lung biology and physiology; e.g. lung structure and development, surfactant, lung volumes, lung cells, oxidant and NO signaling, and lung angiogenesis and will also describe the importance of impaired lung function in inducing lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, edema, ARDS, cancer and TB. Lectures will also provide a description of current therapeutics for treating lung diseases which include gene and cell-based therapies.

*Required course for trainees in the Lung Biology and Pathobiology Training Program

(This does not count towards the Pharmacology elective requirement)

PCOL 595  Pharmacology Seminar

Presentation of research and/or current literature by invited lecturers and students.

PCOL 599  PhD Thesis Research

Thesis work under the supervision of a graduate advisor.