1Musculoskeletal Disease Center VA Loma Linda Healthcare System Loma Linda CA 92357 USA;
Department of Medicine Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA 92357 USA;
Department of Orthopedics Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA 92357 USA;
Department of Biochemistry Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA 92357 USA;
ossification; thyroid hormone; Large chondrocyte;