Bernardo Houssay

Bernardo Alberto Houssay (April 10, 1887 – September 21, 1971) was an eminent Argentinian physiologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947 for his discovery of the role played by pituitary hormones in regulating the amount of blood sugar (glucose) in animals. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for much of the modern research in endocrinology and diabetes.

Early Life and Education

Bernardo Houssay was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From a young age, he showed an exceptional interest in biology and medicine. He entered the Pharmacy School at the University of Buenos Aires at the age of 14 and graduated at 17. By the age of 19, Houssay had earned his degree in medicine from the same university. His early career was marked by a keen interest in physiology, and he quickly established himself as a talented researcher and educator.

Career and Research

In 1919, Houssay was appointed as the Chair of Physiology at the University of Buenos Aires, a position he held until 1943 when he was dismissed by the government for his opposition to the Juan Perón regime. Despite this setback, Houssay continued his research with limited resources and established the Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine in Buenos Aires with the support of private funding.

Houssay's most notable research focused on the hormones of the pituitary gland and their effect on metabolism. He demonstrated that the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland regulated the use of glucose in the body through its effect on the adrenal glands and the pancreas. This work not only advanced the understanding of endocrine functions but also had significant implications for the treatment of diabetes.

Nobel Prize

In 1947, Bernardo Houssay was co-awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Carl Ferdinand Cori and Gerty Cori for their discoveries concerning the glucose metabolism. Houssay's portion of the prize was specifically for his discovery of the part played by the hormone of the anterior pituitary lobe in the metabolism of sugar.

Legacy

Bernardo Houssay's contributions to medicine and physiology have had a lasting impact. He is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his dedication to education and research in Latin America. He helped to establish and promote numerous scientific institutions in Argentina and played a key role in advancing scientific research in the region.

Houssay published over 500 papers and several books throughout his career, contributing extensively to the global understanding of physiology and medicine. His work has inspired generations of scientists and researchers in the field of endocrinology.

Selected Publications

• Houssay, B.A. (1936). The Role of the Pituitary in the Regulation of Blood Sugar. Journal of Physiology.
• Houssay, B.A., et al. (1945). The Hypophysis and Metabolism. New England Journal of Medicine.

Awards and Honors

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1947
• National Prize in Medicine, Argentina, 1941
• Commander of the Legion of Honor, France

See Also

• Endocrinology
• Diabetes
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Physiology

External Links

• Nobel Prize Biography of Bernardo Houssay