Figure 1.

Schematic representation of study design. For the early copper regimen, Long-Evans cinnamon (LEC) rat pups received a high copper (hCu) diet up to month 3. For the late copper regimen, LEC pups were first housed on a reduced copper (rCu) diet until adult (month 5). Thereafter, rats received hCu for 3 mo up to the end of observation time (month 8). LEC rats received rCu diet throughout the observation period (early/late). ATP7B heterozygotes as well as Long-Evans agouti rats were also studied using an early hCu regimen. Arrow indicates start of hCu regimen.