# Louis Ignarro > American physiologist **Wikidata**: [Q309820](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309820) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Ignarro) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/louis-ignarro ## Summary Louis Ignarro is an American physiologist and pharmacologist renowned for his groundbreaking research on nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 for this discovery, which revolutionized the understanding of how blood vessels regulate blood pressure and has led to significant advancements in cardiovascular medicine. ## Biography - **Born**: May 31, 1941 - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: - Columbia University (B.S. in Pharmacy) - University of Minnesota (Ph.D. in Pharmacology) - **Known for**: Discovering the role of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system - **Employer(s)**: - University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Tulane University - King Saud University - **Field(s)**: Physiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry ## Contributions Louis Ignarro's most significant contribution is his discovery of nitric oxide (NO) as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. This work demonstrated that nitric oxide is a key regulator of blood vessel dilation, which has profound implications for understanding and treating cardiovascular diseases. His research has led to the development of new therapies for conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Ignarro has published numerous influential papers and has been a leading figure in the field of cardiovascular pharmacology. ## FAQs ### What is Louis Ignarro best known for? Louis Ignarro is best known for his discovery of the role of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998. ### Where has Louis Ignarro worked? Louis Ignarro has worked at several prestigious institutions, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Tulane University, and King Saud University. ### What awards has Louis Ignarro received? Louis Ignarro has received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 and an honorary doctorate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. ### What is the significance of Louis Ignarro's research on nitric oxide? Louis Ignarro's research on nitric oxide has revolutionized the understanding of how blood vessels regulate blood pressure and has led to significant advancements in cardiovascular medicine, including the development of new therapies for hypertension and atherosclerosis. ## Why They Matter Louis Ignarro's discovery of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system has had a profound impact on the field of cardiovascular medicine. His work has provided a deeper understanding of how blood vessels function and has paved the way for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Ignarro's research has influenced countless scientists and has led to significant advancements in the field, making him one of the most influential physiologists of his time. ## Notable For - **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1998)**: Awarded for the discovery of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. - **Honorary Doctorate**: Received an honorary doctorate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. - **Member of Prestigious Academies**: Member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. - **Influential Research**: Published numerous influential papers on the role of nitric oxide in cardiovascular health. - **Educational Leadership**: Held positions at top universities, including UCLA, Tulane University, and King Saud University. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Louis Ignarro was born on May 31, 1941. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Columbia University and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Minnesota. His early education laid the foundation for his groundbreaking research in physiology and pharmacology. ### Career and Research Ignarro's career has been marked by his work at several prestigious institutions. He has held positions at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Tulane University, and King Saud University. His research has focused on the role of nitric oxide in the cardiovascular system, leading to the discovery that nitric oxide is a key regulator of blood vessel dilation. This discovery has had significant implications for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. ### Awards and Recognition Ignarro's contributions to science have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998. He has also received an honorary doctorate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ### Influence and Legacy Ignarro's research on nitric oxide has revolutionized the understanding of cardiovascular health and has led to the development of new therapies for conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. His work has influenced countless scientists and has had a lasting impact on the field of cardiovascular medicine. Ignarro's legacy continues to inspire new generations of researchers and has cemented his place as one of the most influential physiologists of his time. ## References 1. [Source](https://louisignarro.com/who-is-dr-louis-ignarro/) 2. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1998. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1998/summary/) 3. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf) 4. general catalog of BnF 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. SNAC 7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 9. Munzinger Personen 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. [Source](http://www.nasonline.org/member-directory/living-member-list.html)