In the framework of the Brueckner-Bethe-Goldstone theory , we determine a fully microscopic equation of state for asymmetric and \beta -stable nuclear matter containing { \Sigma ^ { - } } and \Lambda hyperons .
We use the Paris and the new Argonne Av _ { 18 } two-body nucleon interaction , whereas the nucleon-hyperon interaction is described by the Njimegen soft-core model .
We stress the role played by the three-body nucleon interaction , which produces a strong repulsion at high densities .
This enhances enormously the hyperon population , and produces a strong softening of the equation of state , which turns out almost independent on the nucleon-nucleon interaction .
We use the new equation of state in order to calculate the structure of static neutron stars .
We obtain a maximum mass configuration with M _ { max } = 1.26 ( 1.22 ) when the Paris ( Av _ { 18 } ) nucleon potential is adopted .
Central densities are about 10 times normal nuclear matter density .
Stellar rotations , treated within a perturbative approach , increase the value of the limiting mass by about 12 \% .