Acclimation and testing periods
Supplier B6.A mice were obtained from the repository of The Jackson Laboratory (JAX®, Bar Harbor, Maine) Ages All mice were pair-mated to siblings between 3 to 13 wks of age, and retired from breeding between 19 to 53 wks of age Feed Water Access to autoclaved acidified water (pH 2.8 to 3.1) was provided ad libitum 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 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