Ulf von Euler

Ulf von Euler

Ulf von Euler

Ulf Svante von Euler (7 February 1905 – 9 March 1983) was a Swedish physiologist and pharmacologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970 for his discoveries concerning the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.

Early life and education

Ulf von Euler was born in Stockholm, Sweden, into a family with a strong scientific tradition. His father, Hans von Euler-Chelpin, was a Nobel laureate in Chemistry, and his mother, Astrid Cleve, was a noted botanist and chemist. Ulf von Euler studied medicine at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, where he earned his medical degree in 1930.

Career and research

After completing his education, von Euler worked at the Karolinska Institute and later at the University of London. His research focused on the physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the chemical transmission of nerve impulses. In 1946, he was appointed professor of physiology at the Karolinska Institute.

Von Euler's most significant contribution to science was his discovery of norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system. This discovery was crucial in understanding how nerve impulses are transmitted in the body and had significant implications for the development of drugs to treat various disorders.

Nobel Prize

In 1970, Ulf von Euler was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with Bernard Katz and Julius Axelrod, for their discoveries concerning the storage, release, and inactivation of catecholamines, including norepinephrine.

Personal life

Ulf von Euler was married to Jane Sodenstierna and had four children. He was known for his dedication to his work and his contributions to the scientific community.

Legacy

Von Euler's work laid the foundation for much of the modern understanding of neurotransmission and the development of pharmacological treatments for nervous system disorders. His discoveries continue to influence research in physiology and pharmacology.

Related pages

• Norepinephrine
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Karolinska Institute