Cell kinetics of growth cartilage in spondylo-metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (smc) mice.

The gene for spondylo-metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (smc) in the mouse disrupts the formation of growth plate cartilage. No cartilage columns are found in the head of the tibia and secondary centres of ossification appear very late. The number of cells labelled with tritiated thymidine is sharply reduced at 16, 18 and 21 days of age but hypertrophic cell height is normal. Cells taking up label are found scattered throughout the large cartilaginous epiphyses.