Cast immobilization induced inflammation and the expression of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligase. (A) Photograph showing a mouse hindlimb immobilized using a plaster cast. The hindlimb is in the neutral position. (B) Histogram showing the percentage of weight loss of TA after 7 days of immobilization as compared to TA from non-immobilized hindlimbs (n = 4). (C) Graphs showing RNA expression levels of the inflammatory markers TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1. The levels of these markers were significantly higher at 24 h, 3.5 d, and 7d post-cast immobilization than in non-immobilized hindlimbs. (C) Graphs showing the expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 transcripts. The levels of MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 transcripts were significantly higher at 24 h, 3.5 d, and 7 d post-immobilization than in non-immobilized hindlimbs. n = 4/time studied (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.005, ***p < 0.001 compared to control).