Louis J. Ignarro

Dr. Ignarro, Professor of Pharmacology, TUMC, 1973 - 1985, along with two other scientists, was recognized by the Nobel Committee for a brilliant series of analyses, culminating in 1986 in the discovery that endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) was identical to nitric oxide. This was the first discovery that a gas can act as a signal molecule in a organism, and began an avalanche of research studies world-wide. This discovery and subsequent research has a continuing and fundamental impact on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, immunity, shock, cancer and impotence.

Dr. Ignarro graciously donated a replica of the prize to the Medical Library in 2002.