Measurement and comparison of miniature end plate currents between notothenioid Antarctic fish species

To determine if cold-adaptation of neuromuscular ion currents, as reported for Mini End Plate Currents (MEPCs) of one Antarctic fish species, Pagothenia borchgrevinki is a widespread feature of ther Antarctic fishes was investigated by making MEPC recordings from other common red blooded Antarctic fish including Trematomus bernacchii, T. pennellii, T. hansoni and P.borchgrevinki (for comparisons with earlier results).

MEPCs were recorded over a temperature range of 15°C to -2°C from extraocular muscles. Similar recordings of MEPCs were made from extraocular muscle of 5 specimens of the white blooded icefish Chionodraco hamatus. 1570 MEPCs were recorded over a temperature range of -2.5°C to 11°C. Comparisons were made between red and white blooded species.