Dr. ZAHARINA DIMITROVA (1873–1940): A PIONEER IN RESEARCH OF THE PINEAL GLAND’S (CORPUS PINEALE) MICROSTRUCTURE

Abstract

D r. Zaharina Dimitrova is a still forgotten Bulgarian scientist who did ground breaking research in the field of histology of the pineal gland. Born in Ressen, Macedonia on 26^-th November 1873, in the family of Bulgarian leader, Dimitrova left to study Medicine in France. Under the supervision of Prof. M. Nicolas, she researched the fine structure of epiphysis cerebri and for the first time made an accurate description of the pinealocytes - the main cells of the gland. D r. Zaharina Dimitrova pointed out the characteristic vacuoles in the nuclei of the cells and related the finding with a possible endocrine function. At present, it is known that the pinealocytes produce the hormone melatonin. On February 27, 1901 she graduated with honors from the Medical School in Nancy, France, and published her PhD thesis «Recherches sur la structure de la glande pineale chez quelques mammiferes». Her highly acclaimed work was awarded the Gold Medal from the Medical School and published in La Nevraxe Journal (vol. 2, 1901, 257-361). The article was consecutively cited by many scientific luminaries such as Prof. Bаrgmann, one of the founders of neurosecretion. After returning to Macedonia, and consequently relocating to Bulgaria, D r. Zaharina Dimitrova established a successful medical practice in the cities of Sliven and Pazardjik. During the last ten years of her life, the famous Bulgarian physician was actively involved in charitable work providing financial support to refugees and supporting education through various organizations. D r. Zaharina Dimitrova died on April 14, 1940.