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.