Course Unit Page
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Teacher Elena Fabbri
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Credits 3
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SSD BIO/09
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Teaching Mode Traditional lectures
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Language Italian
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Campus of Ravenna
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Degree Programme Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Marine Biology (cod. 8857)
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.
Academic Year 2021/2022
Learning outcomes
Understanding of endocrine regulation mechanisms towards the homeostasis maintainment in marine vertebrates and their adaptation to different environments. General principles of endocrinology will be examined first, and then specific topics will be discussed from the anatomy to functions of the endocrine glands, to the activity and mechanisms of different hormones. Due to the significant advances in scientific information on fish, endocrine functions will be discussed in-depth to reach good knowledge through the most advanced studies. Stuents will finally aquire useful information in the field pf research and comparative endocrinology, fish biology and applications to aquaculture.
Course contents
The Hormones, definition and action mechanisms. The endocrine glands in fish. The hypotalamus/hypophysis hormones: role in growth and osmoregulation. Urophysis and role in osmoregulation. Epyphysis, melatonin and circadian rythms. Thiroid hormones: synthesis, role and modulation of development and adaptation. Cortisol: synthesis, role and modulation of metabolism and water-salt equilibrium. Insulin, glucagon and GLP: synthesis, role and modulation of metabolism. Ghrelin, letpin and control of feeding. Catecholamines: synthesis, role and stress response. The glands peculiar of fish: Stannius bodies, parafollicular cells, ultimobranchial bodies and calcemia regulation. Sex hormones: synthesis, role and modulation of reproduction. The endocrine glands in marine mammals: main hormones, regulatory functions and differences versus terrestrial mammals.
Readings/Bibliography
Book: Fisiologia degli animali marini. Poli A e Fabbri E. 2018. Edises, Napoli
Scientific articles, discussed in class.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons. Discussion of scientific articles
Assessment methods
To evaluate the knowledge acquired through the teaching activity, the exam (written) deals on 2 - 3 specific open questions on the different topics. The students will be invited to provide synthetic answers, in line with the questions.
Teaching tools
Power Point slides and scientific articles
Office hours
See the website of Elena Fabbri
Alumni