The effects of temperature on conduction of the nervous impulse and transmission of the impulse from nerve to muscle in two Antarctic fish and an isopod

The pattern of cold adaptation in the nervous system of Antarctic fish, with particular attention to the effects of temperature changes on conduction of the nervous impulse and on transmission of the impulse from nerve to muscle, was investigated. Measurements of nerve impulse conduction in the peripheral nerves of Trematomus bernacchii, Pagothenia borchgrevinki and Glyptonotus antarcticus were conducted at various temperatures. Neuromuscular function was also measured as a function of temperature. Recordings were made of changes in spontaneous discharge with temperature and of response to mechanical stimuli in the Glyptonotus nerve. The level of adenosine triphosphate in fish blood and its role in regulating oxygen uptake by fish haemoglobins was also examined.