Ca-α1DX7 mutant males, but not females, show a significantly increased lifespan and a less severe age-dependent decline in locomotion, as compared to controls.
Ca-α1DX7 mutants show decreased cardiac function, as shown by the significant decrease in fractional shortening, but not in heart rate, end diastolic diameter, end systolic diameter or arrhythmic index, as compared to controls.
Mutants die at the late embryonic stage with no gross morphological abnormalities. The tracheae of mutant embryos generally do not become gas-filled. Embryos do move but the movements are very weak: slow localised twitches, usually at the posterior end. Some peristaltic motion is visible in the gut, this is very slow. Occasionally embryos bend their heads but movement of the cephalopharyngeal apparatus is not seen. Pumping of the heart is not seen.
Ca-α1DX7 is rescued by Ca-α1D+tCa01
S. Roth.
Shows normal GABA staining in stage 17 nerve cord.