Julius Axelrod

Julius Axelrod

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Julius Axelrod

Julius Axelrod (May 30, 1912 – December 29, 2004) was an American biochemist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the neurotransmitters in the nervous system. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970 for his pioneering work on the release and reuptake of catecholamines.

Early Life and Education

Julius Axelrod was born in New York City to Jewish immigrants from Poland. He attended City College of New York where he earned his bachelor's degree in biology. Axelrod later pursued graduate studies at New York University, where he received his master's degree in chemistry.

Career and Research

Axelrod began his career working at the New York City Department of Health where he conducted research on the effects of analgesics and caffeine. In 1946, he joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he worked in the National Heart Institute.

Discovery of Neurotransmitter Reuptake

Julius Axelrod in his laboratory

Axelrod's most notable work was on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. He discovered that neurotransmitters are not only released into the synaptic cleft but are also taken back up into the nerve terminal, a process known as reuptake. This discovery was crucial in understanding how antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) function.

Pineal Gland Research

In addition to his work on neurotransmitters, Axelrod also studied the pineal gland and its role in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. He discovered that the pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that influences sleep patterns.

Awards and Honors

Julius Axelrod received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970, which he shared with Bernard Katz and Ulf von Euler. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and received the National Medal of Science in 1971.

Legacy

Axelrod's work laid the foundation for the development of many psychiatric medications and advanced the understanding of neuropharmacology. His research continues to influence the field of neuroscience and the treatment of mental health disorders.

Related Pages

• Neurotransmitter
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Pineal gland
• Reuptake