Nerve conduction tests
Motor nerve conduction tests were performed by percutaneously sciatic
nerve stimulation (with single square pulses of 20 μs duration)
delivered through a pair of needle electrodes placed at the sciatic
notch. Compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) were recorded from the
tibialis anterior (TA) and plantar interossei (PL) muscles utilizing
microneedle electrodes. Recorded potentials were amplified and displayed
with settings adjusted to measure amplitude from baseline to the maximal
negative peak, latency from the stimulus to the onset of the first
negative deflection, and the duration of the wave . Throughout the
tests, pentobarbital (50 mg/kg i.p.) was used to anesthetize and the
mice body temperature was maintained at a constant level using a
thermostated heating pad. Electrophysiological tests were conducted at 8
(prior to the initiation of drug administration), 12, 14 and 16 weeks of
age.,