The mRNA levels of caspase-4, -6 and RIP3 increased as brain inflammation progressed, and the caspase-6 and RIP3 mRNA levels peaked and had statistical significance at 21 dpi (F(5,12) = 6.232, P = 0.0004 and F(5,12) = 8.755, P < 0.0001, respectively). This evidence concerns the gene CASP4 and inflammation.