Irvine Page

American physiologist and biochemist

Irvine Heinly Page (January 7, 1901 – June 10, 1991) was a prominent American physiologist and biochemist known for his pioneering research in hypertension and neurochemistry. He made significant contributions to the understanding of blood pressure regulation and the role of the renin-angiotensin system in cardiovascular disease.

Early life and education

Irvine Page was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and developed an early interest in science. He attended Cornell University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1921. He then pursued a medical degree at Johns Hopkins University, graduating in 1926. During his time at Johns Hopkins, Page was influenced by leading figures in medicine and developed a keen interest in the biochemical aspects of physiology.

Career

Early career

After completing his medical degree, Page worked at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in New York City, where he began his research on the chemical aspects of hypertension. His early work focused on the role of hormones in regulating blood pressure.

Cleveland Clinic

In 1931, Page joined the Cleveland Clinic, where he established a laboratory dedicated to the study of hypertension. It was here that he conducted some of his most influential research, including the discovery of angiotensin, a peptide hormone that plays a critical role in blood pressure regulation. Page's work at the Cleveland Clinic laid the foundation for modern antihypertensive therapies.

Dr. Irvine Page and a lab technician in the 1960s

Later career

In 1945, Page moved to the Lilly Research Laboratories in Indianapolis, where he continued his research on hypertension and cardiovascular disease. He also served as a consultant to various governmental and international health organizations, advocating for better understanding and treatment of hypertension.

Contributions to medicine

Page's research significantly advanced the understanding of the biochemical pathways involved in blood pressure regulation. His discovery of angiotensin and its role in the renin-angiotensin system was a major breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine. This discovery led to the development of ACE inhibitors, a class of drugs that are now widely used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Irvine Page received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medical science. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and received the prestigious Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1958. Page was also a founding member of the American Society of Hypertension.

Personal life

Page was married to Beatrice Allen, and they had two children. He was known for his passion for music and was an accomplished pianist. Page remained active in research and public health advocacy until his death in 1991.

Legacy

Irvine Page's work has had a lasting impact on the field of cardiovascular medicine. His research on the renin-angiotensin system continues to influence the development of new treatments for hypertension and related conditions. Page's dedication to scientific inquiry and his contributions to public health have left a lasting legacy in the medical community.

Related pages

• Hypertension
• Renin-angiotensin system
• ACE inhibitor
• Cleveland Clinic