Research Interests

In my laboratory we study the physiology of invertebrate cardiovascular, neural and muscular systems. By using a comparative approach we examine the strategies developed by a variety of animals to meet common challenges such as the need to transport materials and to integrate responses to both internal and external demands. Wherever possible, we attempt to study a phenomenon from the level of whole animal behavior to the cellular and molecular levels.

Current research projects:

(i) Analyses of all aspects of the crustacean 'open' cardiovascular system from the hemodynamics of the neurogenic heart to the resistance to blood flow in the muscle-free arteries and the baroreceptor control of blood pressure.

(ii) The modifications of cardiovascular performance during exercise, stress and in response to hormones.

 

Selected publications

• Sakurai, A. and Wilkens, J.L. (2003). Tension sensitivity of the heart pacemaker neurons in the isopod crustacean Ligis pallasii. J. Exp. Biol. 206: 105-115.
• Wilkens, J.L. and Taylor, H.H. (2003). The control of vascular resistance in the southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii (Decapoda: Palinuridae). Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A, 135: 369-376.
• Rose, R.A., MacDougall, K., Patel, A., Wilkens, J.L. and Walker, R.L. 2001. Effects of walking on ventilatory and cardiac function in intact and cardiac impaired lobsters. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 74: 102-110.
• Brenner, T.L. and Wilkens, J.L. 2001. Physiology and excitation-contraction coupling in the intestinal muscle of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 171: 613-621 (2001).
• Shinozaki, T., Wilkens, J.L., Yazawa, T., Miura, M. and ter Keurs, HEDJ. 2001. Excitation- contraction coupling in cardiac muscle of lobster (Homarus americanus): the role of the sarcolemma and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Journal of Comparative Physiology B. (published on line in November, 2001).
• Wilkens, J.L. 1999. Evolution of the cardiovascular system in Crustacea. Amer. Zoologist 39: 199-214.
• Yazawa, T., J.L. Wilkens, H.E.D.J. ter Keurs and M.J. Cavey. 1999. Structure and contractile properties of the ostial muscle (m. orbicularis ostitis) in the heart of the American lobster. J. Comp. Physiol. B 169: 529-537.
• De Wachter, B. and Wilkens, J.L. (1996) Comparison of temperature effects on heart performance in the dungeness crab, Cancer magister, in vitro and in vivo. c Biol. Bull. Woods Hole 190: 385-395.
• Wilkens, J.L., Yazawa, T. and Cavey, M.J. (1997) Evolutionary derivation of the American lobster cardiovascular system: An hypothesis based on morphological and physiological evidence. Invert. Biol. 116: 30-38.
• Wilkens, J.L. (1997) Possible mechanisms of control of vascular resistance in the lobster Homarus americanus. J. Exp. Biol. 200: 487-493.
• Davidson, G.W., Wilkens, J.L. and Lovell, P. (1998) Neural control of the lateral abdominal arterial valves in the lobster Homarus americanus. Biol. Bull. 194: 72-82.
• Wilkens, J.L. and Kuramoto, T. (1998) Comparison of the roles of neurohormones in the regulation of blood distribution from the hearts of the American and Japanese lobsters. J. Comp. Physiol. B. 168: 483-490.