Constant and continuous growth reduction as a possible cause of ageing.

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.