Haematological variables were measured during aerobic swimming (45–55% of Ucrit) and at critical swimming velocity (Ucrit) in acutely splenectomized and sham-operated rainbow trout. There was no correlation between haematocrit (Hct) and Ucrit in either group of fish. The control values for the haematological variables did not differ significantly between the two groups of fish. Some haematological variables changed during aerobic swimming and at Ucrit, but there were no significant differences between the two groups for any of the variables. Arterial blood oxygen tension was significantly reduced at Ucrit. Arterial blood oxygen content (CaOO2) was maintained in sham-operated fish because the Hct increased significantly. However, in the splenectomized animals, CaOO2 decreased (compared to control values) during aerobic swimming and at Ucrit because the Hct did not change. Plasma concentrations of lactate and catecholamines were elevated only at Ucrit. We provide evidence of a graded spleen contraction during aerobic swimming.
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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