vol.49 Department of Neuropharmacology

The Department of Neuropharmacology was established in 1922 as the Department of Pharmacology, and it now has a rich history of over 100 years. Professor Takeo Yoshikawa was appointed as the sixth professor of the department in 2023. He conducts pharmacological research and education and investigates neural mechanisms in the brain.
Professor Yoshikawa says, “In addition to basic research to elucidate neural mechanisms in the brain, it is also important to conduct research and development that will benefit human health as part of the mission of the School of Medicine. We are engaged in research that will lead to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and drug discovery through pharmacological approaches.”

His three main research themes are (1) research on the neural system for the control of sleep-wake cycles, (2) drug development for hypersomnia, and (3) research on autism spectrum disorders. Studies on (1) and (2) focus on histamine and neuropeptides to elucidate the functions of neural mechanisms that control sleep and wakefulness. Histamine is widely known as a physiologically active substance involved in allergic reactions and gastric acid secretion, but it also functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain and shows strong arousing effects. However, further investigation is required to elucidate its impact on neural circuits that controls arousal and sleep. Similarly, the roles of neuropeptides such as neurotensin in brain function are not yet fully understood. The department is working to elucidate the entire sleep-wake mechanism using various genetically engineered animals, genetic manipulation using adeno-associated viruses, optogenetics, fiber photometry, and other techniques.

The department is staffed by Professor Yoshikawa, two lecturers, one assistant professor, one administrative assistant, one technical assistant, two doctoral students, and two master’s students. Educational strategies include role-playing and other active learning techniques, and simulation training sessions with the use of virtual reality (VR) goggles are offered to high school students. Study sessions include a weekly article reading session in English and a pharmacology textbook reading session for undergraduates. The English pharmacology textbook reading session began in September.
Professor Yoshikawa says, “Since there are abundant opportunities for exposure to English, I would like graduate students to take any opportunity to make a presentation overseas and to participate in short-term study abroad. We also support undergraduate students studying abroad. This year, one of our third-year medical students studied abroad in San Diego, USA.” Professor Yoshikawa encourages students to broaden their horizons overseas while enjoying their daily research activities.