Andrew Schally, who passed away at the age of 97, was honored with a Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in isolating and synthesizing neurohormones—substances produced by specialized nerve cells that play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions.

Schally’s journey began in 1954 when he discovered the research conducted by British scientist Geoffrey Harris. Harris proposed that the tiny pituitary gland, responsible for producing essential hormones, was actually regulated by other hormones or “releasing factors” generated in the hypothalamus of the brain. To capture these elusive releasing factors, Schally embarked on an ambitious project, grinding up large amounts of hypothalamic tissue sourced from pigs.

At the same time, French-American physiologist Roger Guillemin was engaged in a similar quest, using sheep brains for his research. This competition developed into a lengthy 21-year pursuit, with intense emotions on both sides.

In 1969, Schally achieved the first major breakthrough when he revealed—just days before Guillemin—that he had identified the chemical structure of thyrotropin-releasing factor (TRF), which instructs the pituitary gland to regulate the thyroid gland. Two years later, in collaboration with Japanese researchers, Schally isolated luteinising hormone-releasing factor (LRF), which triggers activities in the reproductive system.

The next year, a researcher from Guillemin’s laboratory discovered a third releasing hormone, somatostatin. Together, their discoveries established the groundwork for neuroendocrinology—the discipline focused on how the brain manages hormone levels—and paved the way for extensive research into hormone-related diseases like breast and prostate cancers. Their work also contributed to advancements in contraceptive pills and studies related to Parkinson’s disease.

In 1977, Schally and Guillemin were jointly awarded a quarter share of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (the remaining half went to Rosalyn Yalow for unrelated research). Nevertheless, this accolade did not put an end to their rivalry, which became legendary in scientific circles. In 2005, Schally remarked to the Miami Herald: “We hate each other’s guts.”

Andrzej Viktor Schally was born on November 30, 1926, in Wilno, Poland, to Jewish parents, Kazimierz and Maria Schally. His father, a professional soldier, joined the Allied Forces at the outbreak of the Second World War, while Maria and her two children fled to Romania to avoid the Nazis. Growing up within the Jewish-Romanian community, Andrzej became fluent in Yiddish, Polish, Romanian, and Italian.

In 1945, he immigrated to Scotland, where he completed his high school education. He pursued chemistry studies at the University of London and subsequently worked as a laboratory technician at the National Institute for Medical Research. In 1952, Schally relocated to Montreal to join McGill University, where he collaborated with Murray Saffran in the quest for releasing factors.

After earning his doctorate in 1957, Schally became part of Guillemin’s laboratory at Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Their relationship was fraught from the beginning, as both were hesitant to share credit for their joint endeavors.

When five years passed without notable progress, the scientific community began to mock their efforts, with one individual likening their pursuit to that of the Abominable Snowman. In 1962, Schally departed from Baylor to establish his own laboratory dedicated to hypothalamic research. There, he developed a keen interest in reproductive endocrinology and began examining the impacts of contraceptive steroids and clomiphene, a treatment for female infertility. Public doubt was finally dispelled in 1966 when he proclaimed that he had identified the three amino acids present in porcine thyrotropin-releasing factor.

Over the course of his career, Schally authored more than 2,300 publications and received over 30 honorary degrees. He garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award. In 2004, he was honored with the title of Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur.

Andrew Schally’s first marriage ended in divorce, and his second wife, Ana Maria, passed away in 2004. In 2011, he wed Maria De Lourdes Rasmussen, who survives him, along with a son from his first marriage. A daughter from his first marriage preceded him in death.

{Matzav.com}