Therapeutic potential of ghrelin treatment for unloading-induced muscle atrophy in mice

► Effect of ghrelin administration on unloading-induced muscle atrophy was examined. ► Ghrelin was administrated to mice undergoing hindlimb suspension. ► Ghrelin stimulated GH-STAT5-IGF-1 axis in locally atrophied muscle. ► Ghrelin alleviated muscle atrophy and facilitated recovery from muscle atrophy. ► Ghrelin administration has therapeutic potential for unloading-induced muscle atrophy.