Ulf von Euler

Ulf Svante von Euler was born on February 7, 1905, in Stockholm, Sweden. He was the son of Hans von Euler-Chelpin, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry, and Astrid Cleve, a pioneering chemist and botanist. Ulf von Euler would go on to become a renowned physiologist himself, contributing significantly to our understanding of neurotransmitters in the nervous system.

In 1939, Ulf von Euler discovered noradrenaline (norepinephrine), a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the body's response to stress and is critical in the regulation of blood pressure. This discovery was instrumental in advancing the understanding of the sympathetic nervous system and laid the groundwork for future research into cardiovascular diseases and treatments.

In 1950, Ulf von Euler discovered that prostate and seminal vesicle fluids contained a new group of compounds he named prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have since been found to have diverse and significant roles in animal physiology, including the modulation of inflammation, blood flow, and the induction of labor. This discovery added a vital piece to understanding complex biochemical signaling processes.

In 1953, Ulf von Euler became a professor of physiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, one of the world’s leading medical universities. During his tenure, he conducted groundbreaking research and trained future generations of scientists. His work at the Karolinska Institute further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in physiological research.

In 1965, Ulf von Euler was appointed as the President of the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute, the body responsible for awarding the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to honoring scientific achievement and integrity. He played a crucial role in shaping the processes by which Nobel laureates in medicine were selected.

In 1970, Ulf von Euler was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries concerning the humoral transmitters in the nerve terminals and the mechanism for their storage, release, and inactivation. His pioneering research had far-reaching implications for both basic and applied sciences, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders and heart conditions.

Ulf von Euler passed away on March 9, 1983, in Stockholm, Sweden. His death marked the end of a distinguished career in which he made numerous groundbreaking contributions to the field of physiology. His discoveries regarding neurotransmitters and their role in the nervous system have had a lasting impact on medical science, influencing countless research studies and clinical practices worldwide.