The International Journal of Developmental Biology

Int. J. Dev. Biol. 48: 271 - 274 (2004)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.031773eg

Vol 48, Issue 4

Constant and continuous growth reduction as a possible cause of ageing

Essay | Published: 1 July 2004

Etienne Geraert*

Vakgroep Biologie, Universiteit Gent, Belgium

Abstract

Post-embryonic growth is characterized by a constant reduction of some growth parameters in relation to other growth parameters. Comparison of growth in chickens, rats and nematodes reveals an identical growth pattern, so a theory about the growth process in general is presented. It is presumed that the same growth promoting and growth inhibiting substances regulate not only growth but also ageing and that it is the equilibrium between growth promoters and growth inhibitors which is constantly changed.

Keywords

growth promoter, growth inhibitor, rat skull, chicken, allometry, parabolic curve

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