COMPUTER AIDED LEARNING-DESIGN-Simulation exercises for PHASE II pharmacology MBBS STUDENTS-MEDICAL COLLEGES-COMPETENCY BASED UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM-MCI-NMC-INDIAN MEDICAL GRADUATE TRAINING-OBJECT BASED ASSESSMENT-COMPETENCY PH4.2

1. Effect of Drugs
on Blood
Pressure
SMS MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL, JAIPUR
Using Computer aided learning
Shivankan Kakkar, MD

2. OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate the effects of drugs on various
haemodynamic parameters using a pithed rat
computer simulation.
Understand the underlying mechanism of action
of these drugs.
Compare the drugs belonging to same or different
pharmacological groups.
At the end of the learning session, the students
should be able to:
1.
2.
3.

3. “LEARNING BY DOING,
PEER-TO-PEER
TEACHING, AND
COMPUTER SIMULATION
ARE ALL PART OF THE
SAME EQUATION.”
Nicholas Negroponte

4. Demonstrate the effects of drugs on blood pressure (vasopressor and
vasodepressors with appropriate blockers) using computer aided learning
LEVEL
SH
COMPETENCY
PH 4.2

5. SUGGESTED
TEACHING
METHOD
Skill Lab- EP Lab

6. THE SOFTWARE
Rat CVS - for Phase II MBBS Students
norecopa website
(comprehensive resource for alternatives to
animal research)
To make the most out of the learning sessions and as per the
latest Competency based undergraduate curriculum of the
NMC, a total of 4 problems are framed.

7. The aneasthetised rat (or alternatively the pithed
rat) is a standard preparation to determine the
actions of drugs on the cardiovascular system in
pharmacological research. By inserting a catheter
into a main artery, heart rate and arterial blood
pressure can be measured directly. A further
catheter inserted into the lumen of the left ventricle
allows indirect measurement of the force of
contraction of the heart. Finally, a catheter in a vein
allows both measurement of central venous
pressure and administration of drugs.
THE CVS
PREPARATION
Has everything you need.

8. In order to reduce to a minimum the number of animals
used in teaching, a computer simulation of the
experiment is used. This programme can simulate the
effects of drugs on arterial and central venous blood
pressures, heart rate and force of contraction of the
ventricles. Drugs, administered intravenously, can be
studied over a wide concentration range. Measurements
of systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure (mmHg),
heart force, central venous pressure (mmHg) and heart
rate (beats min-1), are shown.The trace alongside gives
an example of what you will see on your computer
screen.
THE CVS
PREPARATION
Engages you actively.

9. The pithed rat- This kind of experiment would be performed using a rat which has been anaesthetised prior to
destruction of the brain and spinal cord (pithed). Despite the loss of the central nervous system, by placing the animal
on a respirator the heart will continue to beat. The lack of CNS means that any drug effects observed will not be
complicated by baroreceptor reflex-induced changes. In a pithed rat, the blood pressure is highly dependent upon the
amount of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II (AII) circulating in the plasma. AII is converted from its inactive pre-cursor,
AI, by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). AI is in turn, generated from angiotensininogen by the action of renin,
which is released from the kidney.
During the practical classes you will be required to work your way through the following problems. You should
measure the appropriate haemodynamic variables (using the measurement cursor) and enter the results in the table to
allow you to reach a final conclusion.
Total Problems – 4
PROBLEM 1: alpha and beta-adrenoceptors
PROBLEM 2: organic nitrates and endothelium
PROBLEM 3: isoprenaline, digoxin and milrinone
PROBLEM 4: Renin-angiotensin system
THE CVS PREPARATION
Complex problems made easy.

10. USING THE SIMULATION

11. USING THE
SIMULATION

12. USING THE SIMULATION

13. SAMPLE PROBLEM 1
Daunting task made simple.

14. Drugs and
Receptors
involved
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1

15. DRAWING
TRACING AND
OBSERVATION
TABLE
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1

16. COMPLETING SET
OF VIVA
QUESTIONS
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1

17. OBJECT BASED
ASSESSMENT
for problem 1
Demonstrate the effect of given drug (any one/combination) on Rat CVS
Draw (use pencil ONLY) the tracing of changes on arterial blood pressure and
heart rate following intravenous injection of the given drug
Make relevant observation table
Complete the set of questions
thank you
D E P A R T M E N T O F P H A R M A C O L O G Y