Robert Tigerstedt

Finnish physiologist known for discovering renin

Robert Tigerstedt

Robert Adolf Armand Tigerstedt (28 February 1853 – 2 December 1923) was a Finnish physiologist renowned for his discovery of the hormone renin, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure. His work laid the foundation for modern cardiovascular physiology and nephrology.

Early Life and Education

Robert Tigerstedt was born in Helsinki, Finland, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He was the son of Carl Johan Tigerstedt, a professor of zoology, and his wife, Maria Sofia Tigerstedt. From an early age, Tigerstedt showed a keen interest in the natural sciences, which led him to pursue studies in medicine.

Tigerstedt attended the University of Helsinki, where he completed his medical degree in 1878. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship to study abroad, and he spent time at several prestigious institutions in Germany, including the University of Leipzig and the University of Berlin.

Academic Career

In 1881, Tigerstedt returned to Finland and began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Helsinki. His research focused on the physiology of the circulatory system, and he quickly gained recognition for his innovative experiments and insightful analyses.

In 1886, Tigerstedt was appointed as a professor of physiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. During his tenure, he conducted groundbreaking research on the kidneys and the regulation of blood pressure, leading to his discovery of renin in 1898.

Discovery of Renin

Tigerstedt's most significant contribution to medical science was the discovery of renin, an enzyme secreted by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney. His experiments demonstrated that renin plays a critical role in the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

Tigerstedt's discovery of renin was initially met with skepticism, but subsequent research confirmed its importance in hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Today, the renin-angiotensin system is a major target for antihypertensive drugs.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from the Karolinska Institute in 1923, Tigerstedt returned to Finland, where he continued to write and lecture on physiology. He passed away on 2 December 1923 in Helsinki.

Tigerstedt's legacy endures through his contributions to the understanding of cardiovascular physiology and his influence on future generations of scientists. His work paved the way for the development of modern treatments for hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.

Related Pages

• Renin-angiotensin system
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular physiology
• Nephrology