Analysis Tools
vision/eye
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• 4-fold reduction in the maximal amplitude of the rod a- and b-wave components
• however, recording from single rod photoreceptors does not show any differences and retinas show no apparent histological abnormalities
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• in a shuttle box avoidance learning test in conjunction with either light or sound stimulation, mutants are unable to associate light with foot-shock but are able to associate sound with foot-shock, indicating impaired visual processing
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behavior/neurological
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• when placed on a thin rod, mutants cannot coordinate the placement of the hind feet
• duration of balancing on a rotorod is shorter
• however, mutants exhibit normal grasping responses
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• mutants cannot walk for an extended time on a straight path
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• mutants exhibit signs of ataxia that become obvious 2-3 weeks after birth, including general uncoordinated movements, body swaying while moving, ataxic gait and intention tremors
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nervous system
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• a significantly higher number of Purkinje cells remain multiply-innervated, particularly in the rostral portion of the cerebellar vermis, indicating that elimination of multiple climbing fiber innervation is impaired
• however, cerebellar histology, parallel fiber synapse formation and basic electrophysiology appear normal
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