Housing conditions for the NSG mouse
The NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ mice (stock #005557) are severely immunocompromised, therefore, it is important that these mice be maintained in the highest health status room possible. At the Bar Harbor, Maine facility, the live production colonies are maintained in the maximum barrier animal room, AX30. At the Sacramento, CA facility, the live production colonies are maintained in WR3 isolator animal room. Both facilities are under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions. SPF refers to the list of pathogens monitored in our animal facility. Such barrier room is characterized by sterilized feed and bedding; sterilization or disinfection of all supplies and equipment. The animal technicians have to take wet showers and change into sterilized clothing and shoes at each entry. Gloves, mask and cap have to be worn at all times. The most recent health report for our colonies can be found online for AX30 and WR3.
Water bottles (drilled-hole type) are purchased from Thoren Caging Systems, Inc. We do not maintain an automated watering system. Water from the public Bar Harbor, Maine water system is filtered (15-20 microns). A compound with vitamin K activity (menadone sodium bisulfate, MSB) is added at a rate of 0.4 mg MSB per ml of water (not done at The Jackson Laboratory—West). MSB was initially added to compensate for a decrease in vitamin K activity in diets subjected to autoclaving. We now purchase autoclave-stable diets, but continue to add the MSB until further testing is done. Drinking water at the Sacramento, CA facility is supplied from a local source and so may differ in mineral content from that used in Bar Harbor, Maine. Water in both facilities is acidified with HCl to achieve a pH of 2.8-3.1, primarily to control Pseudomonas sp.
The animals are maintained on an autoclaved diet that is 6% fat and 18% protein manufactured by LabDiet. More specific information on this diet is available at LabDiet's website.
Mouse room temperatures are maintained at 18-24°C (65-75°F).
Lights are on for 14 hours, and off for 10 hours. Timers are reset for daylight savings time to coincide with caretaker work schedules.
Fresh outside air is fully exchanged in the rooms 16 times an hour.
This air is temperature-controlled and is filtered through high efficiency HEPA filters (0.3 micron; 99.97% filtration). Humidity levels are maintained at 45-50%.
