Histological parameters from diaphragm muscle from saline, P-188 NF, or prednisone treated <i>mdx</i> mice at 1 year of age.

<p><i>Mdx</i> and wild type control mice were age to seven months and then randomized into groups (N = 12) based on tidal volume measurements. Mice were treated QD by s.c injection with saline, P-188 NF at 3 mg/Kg or prednisone (1 mg/Kg). At termination, diaphragm muscle was harvested, washed and embedded in paraffin. Sections from across each diaphragm were stained with wheat germ agglutinin and DAPI (Panels A & C) or lectin antibody (Panel B) and photographed. Images were analyzed using Nikon Elements software, or by direct counting. (A) Percentage of fibers with centralized nuclei; (B) Variance coefficient of the mean minimum Ferets diameter of diaphragm fibers; and (C) Fiber density. A minimum of 10,000 fibers was assessed for each parameter. * < 0.001 vs. <i>mdx</i> saline, ^# P < 0.001 vs. all other groups.