Henryk F. Urbanski, Ph.D. D.Sc.

Contact

urbanski@ohsu.edu; Phone: 503-690-5306;
Mail Code: L-584;

Research Interests

Circadian Rhythms, Neuroendocrinology, Aging, Reproductive Neuroendocrine Axis

Preceptor Rotation Availability

Dr. Urbanski might be available for preceptor rotations for upcoming academic terms. 
Please contact him directly to inquire.

Mentorship Availability

Dr. Urbanski might be available for mentorship for the 2012/13 academic year.  Please contact him directly to inquire.

Research Summary 

Research in the Urbanski lab is focused on two major hypothalamic neural circuits: 1) those responsible for maintaining rhythmic biological functions, and 2) those responsible for maintaining normal reproductive function. The lab's primary goal is to elucidate the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, and to determine the impact of changes in the external and internal environments. They use a wide variety of techniques to investigate how sleep-wake cycles and reproductive physiology are influenced by day-length, diet, age and sex-steroids. They also examine the underlying genetic and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Their hope is that a deeper understanding of the plasticity within hypothalamic neuroendocrine circuits should lead to the development of effective therapies for various human physiological disorders, especially those associated with the onset of puberty and menopause, as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder. 

Please visit Dr. Urbanski's ONPRC page for more information about his research, and ONPRC Biology of Aging Program and OHSU Healthy Aging Alliance for more information about translational aging research at OHSU.

Selected Publications 

DOWNS JL et al, (2007). Orexin neuronal changes in the locus coeruleus of the aging rhesus macaque. Neurobiol Aging, 28:1286-1295. 

DOWNS JL & URBANSKI HF (2006). Neuroendocrine changes in the aging reproductive axis of female rhesus macaques (Macacaca mulatta). Biol Reprod, 75:539-546. 

LEMOS DR et al, (2006). Twenty-four hour rhythmic gene expression in the rhesus macaque adrenal gland. Molec Endocrinol, 20:1164-1176. 

Education 

DSc (2004) University of Edinburgh
PhD (1983) Univerisity of Bristol
MSc (1978) University of Edinburgh
BSc (1977) University of Wales 

Non-Academic Interests 

Mountaineering
Motorcycles
Guitars