- 1.
The effects of cholinergic and monoaminergic drugs and blocking agents on luminescence responses of the comb-jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi were investigated, using isolated strips of meridional cells.
- 2.
Catecholamines elicited dose-dependent flash activity and adrenalin was the most patent. The adrenalin response was abolished by propranolol (0.1 mmol l−1), but not phentolamine. Reserpine (0.1 mmol l−1) suppressed the flash response to electrical stimulation without affecting the adrenalin response.
- 3.
Acetylcholine (ACh) elicited flash activity which was propagated along the meridional canals. Eserine (0.01 mmol l−1) potentiated the flash response to either ACh or electrical stimulation.
- 4.
Tubocurarine reduced or abolished responses to either ACh or electrical stimulation. Atropine elicited intense flash activity and potentiated the response to electrical stimulation, but failed to block the ACh response.
- 5.
Prolonged exposure of meridional canals to serotonin (5-HT) depressed or abolished flash responses to ACh, adrenalin and electrical stimulation.
- 6.
The ACh flash response was abolished by propranolol but the response to adrenalin was not altered by tubocurarine. It is concluded that nicotinic cholinergic and beta-adrenergic mechanisms are interrelated and indirectly involved in excitation of luminescence in Mnemiopsis.
In the field: an interview with Harald Wolf
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In our new Conversation, Harald Wolf talks about his fieldwork experiences working with desert ants in Tunisia to understand their navigation.
Propose a new Workshop
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Our Workshops bring together leading experts and early-career researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applications are now open to propose Workshops for 2024, one of which will be held in a Global South country.
Julian Dow steps down and John Terblanche joins the JEB team
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After 15 years with the journal, Julian Dow from University of Glasgow, UK, is stepping down as a Monitoring Editor. We wish Julian all the best for the future and welcome John Terblanche, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, who is joining the team. Julian talks about his long association with The Company of Biologists and the journal and John tells us about his life and career in this News article.
An accelerometer-derived ballistocardiogram method for detecting heart rate in free-ranging marine mammals
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Max Czapanskiy and co show how the resting heart rates of blue whales are immortalized in the accelerometry traces collected by motion sensing data tags.
Global change and physiological challenges for Amazonian fish
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In their Review, Adalberto Luis Val and Chris Wood discuss the physiological threats to the unique and diverse fish fauna of Amazonia.
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