Sunn Bergstrem Swedish biochemist, academician of the Swedish Academy of Sciences, Nobel Prize laureate. Date of Birth: 10.01.1916 Country: Sweden

1. Birth and Education
2. Research on Lipids and Steroids
3. Research on Prostaglandins
4. Discovery of the Chemical Structure of Prostaglandins
5. Characterization of Prostaglandins
6. Biological Functions of Prostaglandins
7. Leadership and Recognition
8. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
9. Personal Life and Later Years

Birth and Education

Sune Karl Bergström was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on 10 January 1916. He was the son of Sverker Bergström and Vera Bergström (née Wistrand). In 1934, he graduated from high school and began his studies at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm under the guidance of Erik Jorpes.

Research on Lipids and Steroids

Jorpes, who was studying the clinical use of heparin, a substance that prevents blood clots, suggested that Bergström focus on the biochemistry of lipids (fats) and steroids (a group of compounds based on a specific carbon ring structure, including hormones and bile acids). In 1938, Bergström spent a year in England as a research fellow at the University of London, studying the biochemistry of bile acids.

Research on Prostaglandins

In 1945, Bergström's attendance at a Physiological Society meeting introduced him to the research of Ulf von Euler on prostaglandins, biologically active substances found in the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. He obtained extracts of prostate glands from Euler and developed a high-purity extraction method.

Discovery of the Chemical Structure of Prostaglandins

In 1957, Bergström and his colleagues isolated and purified two compounds from the prostaglandin group in small quantities. Their molecular weights and chemical formulas were determined by research teams at the Karolinska Institute and other institutions in Stockholm and Uppsala. This collaboration led to the elucidation of the chemical structure of the first prostaglandins.

Characterization of Prostaglandins

Between 1958 and 1962, Bergström and his team isolated six prostaglandins, each containing 20 carbon atoms and similar in structure to certain fatty acids. This suggested that prostaglandins were derived from fatty acids. In 1964, Bergström identified arachidonic acid as the precursor of prostaglandins.

Biological Functions of Prostaglandins

Bergström and his colleagues subsequently investigated the formation pathways of prostaglandins, discovering that arachidonic acid and the enzymes necessary for prostaglandin production are present in all animal nucleated cells. Different tissues release different prostaglandins, which in turn perform various biological functions. Prostaglandins of groups E and F have been studied extensively.

Leadership and Recognition

From 1963 to 1966, Bergström served as Dean of the Medical Faculty at the Karolinska Institute. From 1969 to 1977, he was Rector of the Institute. During these years, the Institute conducted extensive research on the biological functions of prostaglandins.

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

In 1982, Bergström, Bengt Samuelsson, and John Vane were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning prostaglandins and related biologically active substances.

Personal Life and Later Years

In 1943, Bergström married Maj Hernandt. They had one son. In addition to the Nobel Prize, Bergström received numerous other prestigious awards. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nobel Foundation in 1975. He was also Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Medical Research of the World Health Organization from 1977 to 1982. He died in Stockholm on 15 August 2004.