- 1.
The effects of two specific antagonists of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors were investigated on the VIP-induced hyperpolarization of the membrane potential of the Schwann cell of the giant nerve fibre of the tropical squid. 2. Both (pCl-D-Phe6,Leu17)VIP and (N-Ac-Tyr1,D-Phe2)-GRF(1–29)amide competitively and reversibly blocked the effects of VIP in this preparation with the former compound being more potent than the latter. 3. The blocking actions of both antagonists were specific for the responses of this preparation to VIP. They did not block the actions of carbachol, DL-octopamine or substance P. 4. Both antagonists also reduced the effectiveness of an endogenous VIP-like component in the normal hyperpolarizing action of giant axon activity on the membrane potential of the Schwann cell, with the same potency ratio as for their actions on the effects induced by the exogenous application of VIP.
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.
Ecotourism affecting iguana glucose tolerance
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Ecotourists feeding grapes on skewers to north Bahamian rock iguanas may be doing the reptiles more harm than good as the sugar charged diet is giving the animals high blood sugar.
Evolution of metabolic plasticity
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In their Commentary, Frank Seebacher and Julian Beaman propose that metabolic plasticity originated in prebiotic protocells and that it was a pre-requisite for effective transfer of genetic material across generations – the hallmark of Darwinian evolution.
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