Course Description

Pharmacological studies have been invaluable to molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscientists in the study of neurons and neural networks. However, pharmacology has rarely been employed in the study of perception, cognition, or consciousness. This tutorial will show how pharmacological research can provide critical information regarding the neurotransmitters that modulate consciousness as well as providing insights into the neural correlates of consciousness itself. Specifically, this course will explore the pharmacology of perception at a level that will be accessible to nonscientists but also be detailed enough to give the most experienced neuroscientist plenty to think about. The course will begin with an introduction to neuropharmacology, from receptor biochemistry to the cognitive functions of the major neurotransmitter systems. This will be followed by a review of a number of experiments indicating a special role for serotonin receptors in the action of hallucinogenic drugs.

Course outline

1) Basic introduction to pharmacology:

The course will begin by reviewing the basic neuroscience of psychopharmacology. Beginning with the structure and function of neurons, synapses and receptors, this introduction will broadly cover a variety of processes including the rapid firing of action potentials to the longer acting influence of G-protein coupled receptors. The second half of this introduction will discuss the distinct function and anatomical characteristics of the neurotransmitter (Glutamate and GABA) and neuromodulator systems (Dopamine, Serotonin, Noradrenalin and Acetylecholine). The introduction will end with a brief discussion of more recently discovered signalling molecules (peptides and Nitros oxide).

2) Serotonin 2A Receptors and Hallucinations:

The second part of the course will focus on the role of the serotonin 2A receptor in the action of hallucinogens such as LSD, Mescaline and Psilocybin (magic mushrooms). This section will discuss a number of recent studies looking at the effects of psilocybin on human visual perception. The results of these studies will be considered in the context of recent animal research looking at the location and physiological consequences of activating the serotonin 2A receptor. The implications for understanding the pharmacology of consciousness will be discussed in detail.

3) Using pharmacology to influence mood, trust, personality and behaviour:

The third and final section of the course will look to the future and focus on four recent studies that illustrate the power of pharmacological agents to profoundly influence an individual’s behaviour, personality and identity. Specifically, this section will consider the use of 1) Propranolol to erase fearful memories; 2) Oxytocin to increase trust; 3) Prozac to alter mood and sense of identity and 4) the impact of amphetamines on addiction and free will.

Special requirements

This course will expect only a base level background in neuroscience (equivalent to 1st year undergraduate course in biology or psychology). No special equipment, such as lap tops, will be required.

Presenter

Dr Olivia Carter

Presenter Biography

Dr Carter completed her PhD under the supervision of Prof Jack Pettigrew at the University of Queensland in 2006. She then completed 3 years of post-doctoral training with Prof Ken Nakayama in the vision laboratory at Harvard University and currently holds a joint position as a research fellow and lecturer at the University of Melbourne. Carter’s primary interest is in the neural basis of consciousness and is the current Executive Director of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness. During her graduate training she spent time in Switzerland investigating the effects of the hallucinogen psilocybin and travelled to India to study the effects of meditation in Tibetan Buddhist monks. More recently she has conducted a number of perception experiments using a variety of neuroimaging methods and is now focusing her research on the role of pharmacology in perception and attention.