Neuroendocrinology: Regulation of Physiological Processes– PHPY 5085Q 

In Spring 2023, the course will be offered from 2/28 to 4/20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:50 PM. Please check the course schedule for the most recent updates. 

Neuroendocrinology is the study of the complex interactions between neural circuits and the endocrine system. It is these interactions that enable us to maintain homeostasis in response to changes in our internal and external environment. The neuroendocrine system is also responsible for ensuring that energy stores are partitioned and allocated in order to support diverse physiological processes including reproduction and the responses to internal (e.g., injury/infection) and external (e.g., danger/stress) threats. This course will describe the function and regulation of the neuroendocrine systems with an emphasis on how energy is partitioned to support these systems under changing environmental conditions.

This course will be offered through the Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience department. The focus will be on the neuroendocrine regulation of physiological processes with an emphasis on metabolism.

The format will be a mixture of didactic lecture and student presentation. The class will meet twice weekly for 2 hours for 7 weeks (i.e., 400-600 Tues/Thurs). The first session will introduce the field of neuroendocrinology. Subsequently, a didactic lecture will introduce each system being covered (Thurs) followed by student presentations of relevant “state of the field” journal articles (Tues). The instructor will provide a list of articles from which the students can choose. The student should prepare a brief introduction which will serve as a bridge between the overall concepts presented by the instructor and the specific paper they have chosen. The final session will be an exam representing 30% of the grade. Presentations and class participation make up the remainder of the grade.

Prerequisites: Core course (either Masters or PhD program) required. Physiological Principles and/or Foundations in Neuroscience suggested. Exceptions made (frequently) at the discretion of the instructor.

Faculty contact: Dr. Vanessa H. Routh (routhvh@njms.rutgers.edu).

Lecture Outline:
1. Introduction: The hypothalamus and the neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary function
2. The neuroendocrine regulation of thyroid function
3. Student presentation
4. The neuroendocrine regulation of the stress response
5. Student presentation
6. The neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive hormones
7. Student presentation
8.The neuroendocrine regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis
9. Student presentation
10. The neuroendocrine regulation of biological rhythms
11. Student presentation
12.The neuroendocrine regulation of the immune system
13. Student presentation
14.Exam