Irvine Page

Dr. Irvine Page and Lab Tech 1960s A3112

Irvine Heinly Page (January 7, 1901 – June 10, 1991) was an influential American physiologist and biochemist known for his groundbreaking research in hypertension and neurochemistry. His work significantly advanced the understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying high blood pressure and led to the discovery of several important substances in the blood that play a role in regulating blood pressure and brain function.

Early Life and Education

Irvine Page was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Amherst College, where he developed an interest in biology and chemistry. After completing his bachelor's degree, Page went on to earn his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he was influenced by the burgeoning field of biochemistry.

Career and Research

After completing his medical degree, Page embarked on a career that would see him make several seminal contributions to medical science. He began his research career at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he focused on the chemistry of the brain. His early work involved the study of brain lipids and their role in neurological disorders.

Page's most notable contributions came after he moved to the Cleveland Clinic in 1945, where he served as the head of research. It was here that he discovered serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. This discovery opened new pathways in the study of psychiatric disorders and their treatment.

In addition to his work on serotonin, Page is renowned for his research into the mechanisms of hypertension. He was instrumental in the discovery of angiotensin, a peptide hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. He also identified the enzyme renin, which plays a crucial role in the body's regulation of blood pressure. These discoveries have had a profound impact on the treatment of hypertension and heart disease, leading to the development of a new class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors.

Legacy

Irvine Page's contributions to medicine and biochemistry have been widely recognized. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research. He was a founding member of the American Society for Hypertension and served as its first president.

Page's work laid the foundation for much of the modern understanding of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. His research has helped to save or improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Selected Publications

Throughout his career, Page authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers and books that have been influential in the fields of neurochemistry and cardiovascular research. Some of his most notable publications include studies on the isolation and function of brain peptides, the role of renin and angiotensin in hypertension, and the biochemical basis of mood disorders.

Death

Irvine Page passed away on June 10, 1991, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement that continues to influence the fields of biochemistry and medicine.