Acclimation and testing periods
Vendor Mice were obtained from the Repository of The Jackson Laboratory (JAX®, Bar Harbor, Maine) Ages Mice were received at 4-5 wks of age and tested 24-29 wks of age Feed Water Mice were provided ad libitum access to autoclaved acidified water (pH 2.8 to 3.1) HousingMice were housed in individually ventilated micro-isolator cages from Thoren Caging Systems Inc. (Hazelton, PA) within an SPF barrier room. The room was supplied with HEPA-filtered air at 19 changes/h. Bedding Autoclaved pine shavings (Crobb Box, Ellsworth, ME) Humidity Relative humidity of 35% ± 4% Photoperiod 12-h light: 12-h dark cycle Temperature 22 ± 2°C Regulatory compliance All procedures were conducted in strict compliance with the policies on animal welfare of the National Institutes of Health and were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of The Jackson Laboratory