Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
A Preclinical Model of Sepsis-Induced Myopathy with Disuse in Mice
Published on: June 14, 2024
Longitudinal characterization of functional, morphologic, and biochemical adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle with
Andrea M Hanson1, Brooke C Harrison, Mary H Young
1Aerospace Engineering Sciences, BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Introduction:
Hindlimb unloading-induced muscle atrophy is often assessed after a homeostatic state is established, thus overlooking the early adaptations that are critical to developing this pattern of atrophy.
Methods:
Muscle function and physiology were characterized at 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of hindlimb suspension (HS).
Results:
Reductions in muscle mass were maximal by Day 14 of HS. Functional strength and isolated muscle strength were reduced. MyHC-I and -IIa expressing fibers were reduced in size by Day 7 in the soleus and by Day 14 in the gastrocnemius (MyHC-I fibers only). Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 expression was increased by Day 1 in both the calf and tibialis anterior while IGF-1 expression was significantly reduced on Day 3. Phosphorylation of Akt was reduced on Day 14.
Conclusions:
Insight into these early changes in response to HS improves understanding of the molecular and functional changes that lead to muscle atrophy.
