The BXH cross on an ApoE null background (BXH/apoE) was previously described [41]. Briefly, C57BL/6J ApoE null (B6.ApoE–/–) were purchased from Jackson Laboratory. C3H/HeJ ApoE null (C3H.Apo E–/–) were generated by backcrossing B6.ApoE–/– to C3H for ten generations. F1 mice were generated from reciprocal intercrossing between B6.ApoE–/– and C3H.ApoE–/–, and F2 mice were subsequently bred by intercrossing F1 mice. A total of 334 (169 female, 165 male) were bred, and all were fed Purina Chow containing 4% fat until 8 wk of age, and then transferred to western diet containing 42% fat and 0.15% cholesterol for 16 wk. Mice were killed at 24 wk, and liver, white adipose tissue, and whole brains were immediately collected and flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen.
