Figure 1.
An experimental schematic of the study. Animals were housed individually, and on day 1 we provided 6% D2O drinking water that was maintained for the entirety of the study (21 days). Days 1–7 were considered pre-study where the animals were given AL access to food; food intake and water intake were measured daily. On day 8 the rats were randomized into the study groups: Ad libitum (AL) fed control (AL-Con, sham), AL plus TBI (AL+TBI), CR control (CR-Con, sham), and CR plus TBI (CR+TBI). Following a blood draw, the animals received a TBI or a sham intervention. Following the TBI or sham intervention, half rations were provided to the animals selected for CR treatment. From days 9–21, the animals were allowed to recover in their cages. On day 22 the animals were euthanized, and blood was collected.