1. In the leech, synaptic transmission between heart interneurons (HN cells) and between HN cells and heart motor neurons (HE cells) is blocked by bicuculline methiodide. 2. Gamma-aminobutyric acid, when applied focally onto the somata of HN cells or when added to the superfusate, has no effect on the membrane potential of HN cells. 3. Both acetylcholine (ACh) and the ACh agonist carbachol hyperpolarize HN cells and HE cells when applied focally onto their somata or into the neuropil or when added to the superfusate. 4. Inhibitory postsynaptic-potential-like responses elicited by focal application of carbachol onto the somata of HN cells and HE cells are blocked by bicuculline methiodide and are reversed when Cl- is injected into the cells. 5. Focal application of carbachol onto the somata of HN cells and HE cells increases membrane conductance. 6. The results indicate that HN cells use ACh as an inhibitory transmitter, that the postsynaptic receptors for ACh are blocked by bicuculline methiodide and that inhibition of HN cells and HE cells is mediated by an increased Cl- conductance.
In the field: an interview with Harald Wolf
(update)-Conversation.jpg?versionId=3747)
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
-GSWorkshop.png?versionId=3747)
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
-NewEditor.png?versionId=3747)
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.
The capture of crude oil droplets by filter feeders at high and low Reynolds numbers
-FilterFeeders.jpg?versionId=3747)
Researchers from the University of Montreal, Canada, reveal how tiny filter feeding barnacles and Daphnia entrap and consume minute droplets of crude oil, introducing the pollutant at the bottom of the food chain.
Patterns and processes in amphibious fish
-Review.png?versionId=3747)
In their Review, Keegan Lutek, Cassandra Donatelli and Emily Standen discuss the biomechanics and neural control of terrestrial locomotion in amphibious fish. They explore how locomotor mode depends on body shape, physical constraints and phylogeny.
Social media
