Loewi, Otto

Loewi, Otto, b. Frankfurt am Main (Germany), June 3, 1873, d. New York (USA), Dec. 25, 1961, pharmacologist, physiologist, awarded the Nobel prize for Physiology and Medicine in 1936 (with H. H. Dale). for fundamental insights into the problems of the parasympathetic nervous system.1906 professor at the University of Vienna, 1909 to 1938 in Graz, from 1939 in New York. In Vienna he had studied the adrenaline-cocaine effect with A. Fröhlich. Proved that muscle movement is not a mechanical reaction but is triggered by the influence of chemical agents. Discovered that stimulation of the Vagus nerve causes production of a chemical agent which depresses heart function, while stimulation of the sympathetic nerve by a chemical mediator results in increased heart rate. Also explained the action of physostigmin, an alkaloid which prolongs the stimulation of the Vagus nerve. World fame and the Nobel prize did not prevent him from being arrested by the National Socialists, who extorted from him the Nobel prize money for permission to leave the country. 1950 awarded an honorary doctorate of philosophy by the University of Graz.

Literature: NDB.