Julius Axelrod

Julius Axelrod

Julius Axelrod (May 30, 1912 – December 29, 2004) was an American biochemist and pharmacologist. He is best known for his work on the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine, particularly their action in the sympathetic nervous system, and for his discovery of the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase, which degrades these neurotransmitters. Axelrod's research significantly advanced the understanding of the synaptic transmission process and contributed to the development of treatments for a range of neurological disorders. For his contributions to the field of neurochemistry, Axelrod was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970, shared with Bernard Katz and Ulf von Euler.

Early Life and Education

Julius Axelrod was born in New York City, New York, to immigrant parents. He initially attended the City College of New York, but due to financial constraints, he had to leave school to support his family. Despite these early setbacks, Axelrod's interest in science persisted. He eventually returned to academia, earning his Bachelor of Science in biology from the College of the City of New York in 1933. Axelrod then pursued graduate studies at New York University, where he received his Master's degree in chemistry in 1941.

Career and Research

After completing his education, Axelrod began his career in pharmacology at the Goldwater Memorial Hospital in New York. He later joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1949, where he would spend the majority of his professional career. At the NIH, Axelrod initially worked on the metabolism of analgesics and caffeine, but his focus soon shifted to the study of neurotransmitters. Axelrod's most notable work involved the discovery of the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase, which plays a crucial role in the metabolism of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). This discovery was pivotal in understanding how neurotransmitters are deactivated in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, and it opened new pathways for researching the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions. In addition to his research on neurotransmitters, Axelrod also made significant contributions to the understanding of the pineal gland and its hormone melatonin. His work in this area helped elucidate the role of melatonin in regulating sleep-wake cycles and seasonal biological rhythms.

Awards and Honors

Julius Axelrod's contributions to science were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. The pinnacle of these was the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970. He also received the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1967 and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Legacy

Julius Axelrod's research has had a lasting impact on the fields of pharmacology and neurochemistry. His discoveries have not only advanced scientific understanding but have also had practical applications in the development of drugs for treating mental health disorders, hypertension, and other conditions. Axelrod is remembered as a pioneering scientist whose work has improved the lives of many.

See Also

• Neurotransmitter
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Neurochemistry
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine