The effect of a single injection of papain on growth of the limb bones of the mouse.

The chondrodystrophic mouse mutant stumpy (stm) shortens proximal limb bones more than distal ones and acts late in development (circa 14 days post partum). It was thought that a late disturbance in bone growth might cause more damage to epiphyses of proximal than distal bones. This was investigated using a single injection of papain on days 8, 10 and 12: shortening of proximal and distal bones was demonstrated, but was similar in all three experimental groups.