From a curious Montreal boy to the developer of L-DOPA therapy that restored quality of life to millions with Parkinson's disease.
In the mid-20th century, when mental and neurological disorders were largely mysterious conditions with limited treatment options, a quiet, unassuming scientist in Montreal began unraveling the chemical secrets of the brain. Theodore "Ted" Lionel Sourkes (1919-2015) stood at the forefront of a scientific revolution that would forever change how we understand and treat neurological diseases [1][2].
Developed the groundbreaking treatment for Parkinson's disease that restored quality of life to millions worldwide.
Contributed to the development of α-methyldopa, the first effective medicine to treat high blood pressure [1][7].
The son of Isadore and Fanny Sourkes, he lived above a tavern at the corner of Boulevard St-Laurent and Rue Villeneuve [4].
Obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from McGill University [1][3].
Married Shena Rosenblatt on January 17, 1943—a partnership that would last for 72 years [4].
Completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Nobel Prize winner James B. Sumner [1][3].
Accepted a position at McGill University's Department of Psychiatry, where he would remain for the rest of his career [1][3].
"I felt I was now getting answers to many of the things I had not understood previously..." [4]
His daughter Myra recalled that "by the time I was five I could spell catecholamine" [4].
Trained 26 graduate students, 22 postdoctoral fellows with medical degrees, and 13 with Ph.D.s [1].
Sourkes made a crucial discovery when he found that patients with Parkinson's disease excreted low levels of dopamine in their urine [1]. This critical observation led him to a revolutionary hypothesis.
If dopamine was deficient in Parkinson's patients, and dopamine itself couldn't cross the blood-brain barrier, then perhaps L-DOPA (levodopa), a chemical precursor to dopamine, could serve as an effective treatment [1][4].
"L-DOPA became a treatment that revolutionized the management of Parkinson's and remains one of the most effective treatments we have. It's truly a miraculous therapy."
Sourkes' groundbreaking work was possible because of his expertise with sophisticated laboratory techniques and materials.
| Research Solution/Material | Function and Application |
|---|---|
| L-DOPA (levodopa) | Chemical precursor to dopamine; able to cross blood-brain barrier for conversion to dopamine in the brain [4] |
| α-methyldopa | Antihypertensive drug; early success in Sourkes' career at Merck Institute [1] |
| α-methyl-tryptophan | Used to measure serotonin synthesis in brain; metabolism studies helped understand kynurenine pathway [1] |
| Tetrahydropapaveroline | Tetrahydroisoquinoline compound investigated as potential active metabolite of L-DOPA [8] |
| Biogenic amine assays | Sophisticated analytical techniques to measure neurotransmitters and metabolites; Sourkes' lab was one of few capable of reliable measurements [1] |
Throughout his career, Sourkes was known for his commitment to scientific rigor. At a time when equipment was relatively primitive by today's standards, he developed sophisticated analytical techniques to measure biogenic amines and their metabolites accurately [1].
In a 1971 paper published in Nature, Sourkes questioned whether dopamine was truly the only compound responsible for L-DOPA's pharmacological effects, demonstrating his relentless curiosity about underlying mechanisms [8].
First recipient from the Canadian College of Neuropsychopharmacology [1]
Prestigious Quebec science award [2]
One of Canada's highest civilian honors [2]
Fellowship in prestigious academic society [3]
In 2013, McGill University inaugurated the Theodore L. Sourkes Lectureship Series in Neuropharmacology through a generous donation from McGill alumnus and Sourkes' disciple Professor Moussa Youdim [2]. This lectureship ensures that his legacy of scientific excellence continues to inspire new generations.
When Theodore Sourkes died of pneumonia on January 17, 2015, at age 95, the international scientific community lost one of the genuine pioneers of neuropsychopharmacology [1][3]. Yet his legacy lives on every time a Parkinson's patient takes L-DOPA and regains control of their movements.