Oskar Langendorff

Oskar Langendorff 1913 (Paul Moennich)

Oskar Langendorff (1853–1908) was a German physiologist known for his pioneering work in the field of cardiovascular physiology. He is best remembered for developing the Langendorff heart preparation, a technique that allows the isolated heart to be perfused and studied ex vivo.

Early Life and Education

Oskar Langendorff was born in Breslau, Prussia (now Wrocław, Poland). He studied medicine at the University of Breslau and later at the University of Leipzig, where he earned his medical degree. His early work focused on the physiology of the heart and the mechanisms of blood circulation.

Career and Research

Langendorff's most significant contribution to science was the development of the Langendorff heart preparation in 1895. This technique involves isolating the heart from an animal, typically a rat or guinea pig, and perfusing it with a nutrient solution to keep it beating outside the body. This method allows researchers to study the heart's function in a controlled environment, free from the influences of other bodily systems.

The Langendorff heart preparation has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of cardiac physiology, including the mechanisms of myocardial contraction, coronary circulation, and the effects of various drugs on heart function. It remains a widely used technique in cardiovascular research today.

Legacy

Oskar Langendorff's work laid the foundation for many modern techniques in cardiovascular research. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the field, and his name is still associated with the Langendorff heart preparation, a testament to the enduring value of his research.

Related Pages

• Cardiovascular physiology
• Langendorff heart
• Myocardial contraction
• Coronary circulation
• University of Breslau
• University of Leipzig