Università Roma Tre

Elements of development of the mammalian nervous system. Neuroanatomy and histology of the nervous system: organization of the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system. Neurons: neuronal subtypes and their distribution. Glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia. Cytoarchitecture of selected areas of the CNS: cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, substantia nigra, cerebellum and spinal cord. Human neuropathology: neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. In vivo and in vitro models for the morphological study of human neuropathologies: transgenic mouse models and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC). Macroscopic observation and manipulation of neuroanatomical murine samples (brain, spinal cord). Preparation of normal and pathological murine brain samples for immunohistochemical analysis, using neuronal and glial markers. Light microscopic observation and characterization of the morphological phenotype of normal and pathological murine brain. Application of morphological techniques (e.g., immunofluorescence) to the study of iPSC and motor neurons derived from them, using markers for the recognition of specific organelles (mitochondria, peroxisomes). Observation and quantitative analysis by confocal microscopy. Preparation of samples of neuropathological models (in vivo and in vitro) for ultrastructural examination and observation by electron microscopy (SEM, FIB/SEM).

Scientific articles, lecture slides and other useful teaching materials will be provided after each lecture/lab session.

Introduction to animal models as a tool for the study of neuropsychiatric diseases
a. Importance of animal models in neuropsychiatric research; focus on the phenomenon of anti-animal experimentation associations
b. From the preclinical to the clinical field
c. Rodents as models (face / construct / predictive validity)
d. Utility of rodents in neuropsychiatric research
e. Ministerial decrees and regulation on animal testing in Italy

The animal facility

Management of colonies / laboratory animals.
a. Animal welfare
b. Mating techniques (rats vs mice)
c. Explanation of the rodent's estrous cycle.
d. Gestation
e. Litter birth and management (rats vs mice)
f. Sex determination
g. Practical part: observation of slices

Techniques for drug administration in rodents
a. Systemic (ip / subcutaneous / etc etc)
b. Oral
c. Intracranial (surgery technique) + focus on morphology and brain areas.

Study of anxiety in laboratory animals (behavioral test explanation + video + test on the recognition of the parameters to be analyzed).
Study of the brain reward system in in laboratory animals (explanation of behavioral tests + video + test on the recognition of the parameters to be analyzed)
Study of cognitive function in in laboratory animals (explanation of behavioral tests + video + test on the recognition of the parameters to be analyzed)
Study of sociality in in laboratory animals (communication and sociality) (explanation of behavioral tests + video + test on the recognition of the parameters to be analyzed + recording of vocalizations)

Preclinical models of psychiatric diseases: example 1 (Autism), example 2 (schizophrenia), example 3 (drug addiction)

Lesson slides and scientific articles

To get an appointment with the Professor, email to: viviana.trezza@uniroma3.it