LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN NEUROCHEMISTRY AND NEUROIMMUNOLOGY
Academic year and teacher
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- Versione italiana
- Academic year
- 2022/2023
- Teacher
- MASSIMILIANO CASTELLAZZI
- Credits
- 3
- Didactic period
- Secondo Semestre
- SSD
- MED/46
Training objectives
- The aim of the course is to provide the students with a general overview on the topics and issues concerning laboratory diagnostics in neurological diseases using a theoretical-practical approach. In particular the course focuses on the most widely used laboratory methods for diagnosis of certain disorders of the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system.
Prerequisites
- Knowledge of general biochemistry.
Course programme
- Elements of general immunology and introduction to the mechanisms that underlie autoimmunity. Pathophysiology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): production, circulation and absorption. The blood-brain barrier. The lumbar puncture as a therapeutic tool and as a diagnostic tool. Analysis of the CSF in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a) international guidelines; b) the pre-analytical procedures; c) the chemical-physical analysis; d) the quantitative analysis; e) the qualitative analysis; f) the "gold standard" for determining the presence of an intrathecal antibody synthesis. The CSF analysis in other neurological disorders: a) the search for pathogens; b) the search for markers of neurodegeneration.
Elements of immunochemistry and introduction to immunoassays methods most used in neurological diagnosis: ELISA; Western blotting; immunohistochemistry.
Methods used in the diagnosis of: paraneoplastic disorders, dysimmune diseases of the SNP, neuromyelitis optic, myasthenia gravis, neurodegenerative disorders. Advanced Techniques: Study of the antibody affinity. The concept of biological marker, and the importance of biological banks in neurology. Gender differences between the commonly used biomarkers in CSF analysis. Didactic methods
- Lectures, using slide shows. Dynamic lessons simulating the development of "de novo methods". Practical exercises in the Laboratory of Neurochemistry
Learning assessment procedures
- Final written exam with 31 closed questions. Each correct answer is worth 1 point, no answer given 0 points. If all the answers are correct 30 and praise. Duration 60 minutes.
Reference texts
- Educational material provided by the teacher.
