Adolfo José de Bold OC FRSC (February 14, 1942 – October 22, 2021) was an Argentine-born Canadian cardiovascular researcher, best known for his discovery of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a polypeptide hormone secreted by heart muscle cells.
[2] His move to Canada was prompted by a dissatisfaction with the Argentine scientific faculties, particularly challenges in publishing research in international journals and publications.
[2] He then obtained his Master of Science degree in 1972 and a Ph.D. in 1973 from the department of pathology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, under the direction of Sergio Bencosme.
[4] De Bold started his research career studying storage granules found in the upper chambers of the heart whose function was not understood at the time.
Lacking partnerships with drug companies, De Bold and his team at Queen's University found themselves at a disadvantage driving practical applications.
[2] The discovery of ANP opened up a new field of research that has resulted in multiple therapeutic and diagnostic applications in heart failure.