A Computer Simulation of the Cat Nictitating Membrane Preparation (In Vivo) for Teaching Undergraduate Pharmacology Students

Abstract

An interactive computer-assisted learning program is described, aimed at teaching students, on a range of undergraduate/diploma level courses, the basic pharmacology of transmission at autonomic ganglia and sympathetically innervated smooth muscle. The program, which is menu-driven, simulates experiments which can be conducted on the superior cervical ganglion nictitating membrane preparation (in vivo) of the anaesthetised cat, and is written for IBM-compatible microcomputers. Students “design” experiments by selecting certain experimental parameters such as: an appropriate drug to investigate from a comprehensive list; the site of administration; and whether to stimulate pre-ganglionic nerves. Simulated contractions of the nictitating membrane, derived from actual experimental data, are presented on a scrolling display on the monitor in a form comparable to that of a chart recorder. The learning package includes background information and teacher-designed help screens, and is supported by tutors’ notes and suggested assignments. The use of the program in teaching pharmacology and as an alternative to animal experiments, is discussed.

Keywords

computer simulations animal experiments pharmacology teaching nictitating membrane

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