Ernst Knobil

Ernst Knobil
Born	September 20, 1926 Berlin, Germany
Died	April 13, 2000
Nationality	US
Occupation	endocrinologist
Known for	neuroendocrine studies of puberty
Awards	Dickson Prize (1990)

Ernst Knobil (September 20, 1926 - April 13, 2000) was a scientist known for his studies of endocrinology.

Knobil's research into hormonal regulation in primates led to his discovery of growth hormone's species-specific effects. These discoveries led to the first treatment of Growth hormone deficiency.

Knobil is also credited with discovering the key role of pulsatile Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and estrogen feedback during the menstrual cycle. This work today forms the basis of reproductive endocrinology and enabled development of the world's first hormonal contraceptives.

In addition to being the author of 217 scientific papers, he was the editor of several reference books in endocrinology and reproduction, including The Handbook of Physiology (1974), The Physiology of Reproduction (1988, 1994), and The Encyclopedia of Reproduction (1998). In addition to his numerous scientific contributions, Ernst was a visionary leader in the field of endocrinology and a wonderful mentor and friend to the many people who were privileged to work closely with him.(1)

References

1. Knobil and Neill's Physiology of Reproduction (Third Edition) Copyright © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Edited by:Jimmy D. Neill, Ph.D., Tony M. Plant, Ph.D., Donald W. Pfaff, Ph.D., John R.G. Challis, D.Sc., F.R.S.C., David M. de Kretser, M.D., A.O., JoAnne S. Richards, Ph.D., and Paul M. Wassarman, Ph.D. ISBN 978-0-12-515400-0