Last update:
   08-Sep-2020
 

Arch Hellen Med, 37(Supplement 2), 2020, 53-56

BIOGRAPHY

Vincenzo Diamare (1871–1966) and the priority for the discovery of the endocrine function of the pancreas (1895)

F. Russo,1 M. Russo,2 L.S. De Santo,3 A. Mezzogiorno,4 N.G. De Santo5
1Department of Structure Function and Biological Technologies, University Federico II, Naples
2Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University Federico II, Naples
3Division of Heart Surgery University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Naples
4Department of Physical and Mental Health, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples
5University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy

From 1895 to 1908, Vincenzo Diamare (1871–1966), made innovative studies related to the function of the non-acinar cells of the pancreas, which were described by Paul Langerhans in 1869. Through comparative anatomy and physiology studies, he established their endocrine function and their regulation of glucose metabolism in man. His data were confirmed by E. Laguesse, W. Schulze, E. Sauerbeck, N. Minkowski and many others, including J.J.R. McLeod. When in 1923, the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology was awarded to Frederick Grant Banting and John James Rickard Macleod, his name was neglected. The Nobel committee also neglected not only Charles Best and Bertrand Collip, belonging to the Toronto Group of investigators, but also N. Paulescu, G.L. Zuelzer, S.S. Kleiner and E. Lancereux. Diamare did not protest. Throughout his life, he continued to investigate the topic and at the age of 85 he even contributed a ponderous review (85 pages), thoroughly discussing the ideas of his supporters and opponents without acrimony.

Key words: Discovery of insulin, Endocrine function of the pancreas, Insulin, Paul Langerhans, Vincenzo Diamare.

© Archives of Hellenic Medicine