Acclimation and testing periods
Vendor Male inbred mice were obtained The Jackson Laboratory (JAX®, Bar Harbor, Maine) Ages Mice were tested 10 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 groups of 4-5 mice in individually ventilated micro-isolator cages from Thoren Caging Systems Inc. (Hazelton, PA) within an SPF barrier room. Each pen contained a wire-rod metal top that holds feed pellets and a water bottle. The room was supplied with HEPA-filtered air at 19 changes/h. Bedding Autoclaved white 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 animal experiments have been conducted according to relevant national and international guidelines (AALAC and IACUC) and have been approved by the Jackson Laboratory Animal Care and Use Committee