The effect of crude papain on the epiphysial cartilage of laboratory animals.

Among the different experimental agents that act upon the endochondral growth of laboratory animals. crude papain seems to be one of the most powerful (Hulth 1958). Papain acts rapidly on the cartilage and, when injected repeatedly, causes premature ossification of the epiphysial lines. Other factors that retard the longitudinal growth are endocrine disorders, such as those caused by hypophysectomy or thyroidectomy, and administration of cortisone. Younganimals fed on diets that are generallyor specificallydeficient also show retarded growth.