Through the PMI Journals from 1932 and 1933, one can find the contributions of Danish Marie Krogh, a distinguished physiologist and medical professional. She was not only a pioneering researcher but also a woman breaking barriers in a male-dominated field during a time when such feats were rare.

Marie Krogh earned her her doctorate in 1914 with a groundbreaking work on respiratory physiology titled “Luftdiffusionen gennem Menneskets Lunger” (The Air Diffusion through the Lungs of Humans). In the following year she published numerous independent works on various physiological and pharmacological subjects. After her husband August Krogh developed an apparatus for measuring respiratory metabolism in humans in 1922, a technological breakthrough, Marie Krogh began to explore thyroid disorders in patients, including Graves’ disease and myxedema. Collaborating with H. Okkels, she also delved into the interplay between the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland (hypophysis).

Focusing on the Thyroid Gland, Marie Krogh published five articles in the PMI Journal through 1932 and 1933. Krogh’s inaugural contribution, “Studies on the Thyroid Gland. ii.,” was a captivating exploration into the physiological activity of iodine in thyroxin and its intricate role in both normal and pathological thyroid glands. In her second APMIS article, “Studies on the Thyroid Gland. iii.,” she continued her research by diving into experimental hyperactivity of the thyroid gland. Her work not only pushed the boundaries of scientific inquiry but also laid the groundwork for broader investigations into thyroid-related issues.

Marie Krogh made history by becoming the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, awarded jointly with her husband in 1920. Their groundbreaking research on the regulation of respiration and the role of capillaries in gas exchange earned them this prestigious accolade.

Her influence in the PMI Journal is encapsulated in her articles, notably her exploration of thyroid disorders. Marie Krogh’s legacy stands not only as a pioneering woman in a male-dominated field but also as a Nobel laureate whose work continues to shape the trajectory of medical science. As we reflect on PMI’s rich history, Marie Krogh’s contributions stand as a testament to the journal’s commitment to showcasing groundbreaking research, irrespective of background.