Retardation of Senescence by Extended Intake of Streptococcus lactis Cell Preparation

In order to examine the effect of Streptococcus lactis (ATCC 19435) cell preparation on the retarding of senile changes in Wistar and SHR rats, a comparatively large dose, namely 1.2 •~ 1011 cells or 120 mg in dry weight, was fed per capita for life. Striking differences in appearance of Wistar rats at 27 months of age after weaning were observed between the control group which was fed commercial pelletized feed and the study group which was fed the same plus 1% of S. lactis preparation; remarkable kephosis and alopecia developed in the former, none in the latter. Other age-related changes significantly suppressed by such extended supplementation of the culture were fibrosis and calcification of cartilage matrix; aortic endothelial damage, segmental thickening, calcification and chondroid cells in intima; hypertension in aging SHR; disarray of hepatic cords and portal fibrosis; atrophy of epidermis and appendages, and increase in amorphous dermal matrix in Wistar; waxy degeneration and atrophy of