Mechanical and thermal sensitivity of α-GalA KO males.

Basal sensitivity towards mechanical stimulation (latency time (A); applied force (B)). Comparison of the basal sensitivity of male α-GalA KO (n = 16) and relative WT (n = 28) in response to mechanical stimulation, p<0.0001. Basal sensitivity to hot and cold temperature stimuli in male α-GalA KO (n = 34) and relative WT (n = 32), p<0.0001 as measured using the hot plate (C) and the acetone test (D) revealed the significant insensitivity of α-GalA KO (n = 19) males in comparison to their relative WT (n = 13), p = 0.0008. Basal insensitivity to noxious temperature of cold stimulus in male α-GalA KO (n = 7) and relative WT (n = 8), p = 0.0466 as measured via cold plate assay (E). The data from plantar cold sensitivity assay confirmed the observed insensitivity of KO males (n = 10) to cold stimuli when compared to WT males (n = 10), p = 0.0028 (F). Data are expressed as mean±SEM.