Main description:

Advances in Comparative and Environmental Physiology helps biologists, physiologists, and biochemists keep track of the extensive literature in the field. Providing comprehensive, integrated reviews and sound, critical, and provocative summaries, this series is a must for all active researchers in environmental and comparative physiology.

Contents:

1 Neuronal Control of Osmoregulatory Responses in Gastropods.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Invertebrate Neurons and Osmotic Stress.- 3 Neuromodulation of Osmoregulatory Responses.- References.- 2 Chemosensory Systems in Lower Organisms: Correlations with Internal Receptor Systems for Neurotransmitters and Hormones.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Chemosensory Systems of Slime Molds, Protozoa, and Yeast.- 3 Marine Larvae: Factors Affecting Settlement and Metamorphosis.- 4 Crustaceans: Chemosensory Systems for Adenine Nucleotides.- 5 Conclusions.- References.- 3 Metallothionein and Metallothionein-Like Proteins: Physiological Importance.- 1 Introduction.- 2 History.- 3 Chemical and Biochemical Characteristics of Metallothioneins.- 4 Metal-Binding Affinities of Mammalian MTs.- 5 Aspects of Metallothionein Function.- 6 Concluding Remarks.- References.- 4 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Techniques for the Study of Cellular Function.- 1 Noninvasive Approaches to the Study of Cellular Metabolism.- 2 Principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.- 3 In Vivo Measurement of Proton and Inorganic Ion Levels.- 4 In Vivo Measurement of Intracellular Metabolite Levels.- 5 Measurement of Kinetic Processes by NMR Spectroscopy.- 6 Special Applications of NMR Spectroscopy in the Investigation of Biological Problems.- 7 Conclusions.- References.- 5 Effects of Temperature on Muscular Function and Locomotory Performance in Teleost Fish.- 1 Introduction.- 2 The Propulsion Apparatus.- 3 Performance Characteristics at the Molecular Level: Contractile Proteins.- 4 Adaptations to Temperature at the Tissue and Cellular Levels.- 5 Whole Animal Swimming Performance.- 6 The Interaction Between Organism and Environment: Propulsion at Different Temperatures.- 7 Recapitulation and Conclusions.- References.- 6 Prostaglandins (Eicosanoids) and Their Role in Ectothermic Organisms.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Precursors of Prostaglandins.- 3 Release of the Substrate for Eicosanoid Synthesis.- 4 Factors that Influence Eicosanoid Synthesis.- 5 Cyclooxygenase Products.- 6 Lipoxygenase Products.- 7 Quantitative Determination of Prostaglandins, Thromboxanes, and Leukotrienes.- 8 Occurrence, Distribution, and Release of Eicosanoids.- 9 Physiological Significance.- 10 Modulation of Fluid and Electrolyte Fluxes.- 11 Cardiovascular System.- 12 Reproductive Functions.- 13 Prostaglandins and Reproduction in Fish Species.- 14 Prostaglandins and the Nervous System.- 15 Perspectives.- References.- 7 Maternal-Fetal Trophic and Respiratory Relationships in Viviparous Ectothermic Vertebrates.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Chondrichthyan Fish.- 3 Bony Fish.- 4 The Amphibians.- 5 Reptiles.- 6 Conclusions.- References.