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Expertise:��Physiology, Endocrinology, Neuroscience

Research Interests

My major research interest is in the area of neuroscience. One component of our laboratory research involves the examination of circadian rhythms in rats. Mammals have an area in the brain that controls the biological clock that regulates the timing of certain circadian rhythms such as the sleep-wake cycle and hormone levels. The circadian clock functions in a cycle that lasts a little longer than 24 hours and is “set” primarily by visual cues (photic zeitgeber) of light and darkness that are transmitted along a neuronal pathway from the eyes. This keeps the clock synchronized to the 24-hour day. Other external cues (nonphotic zeitgebers) such as time of feeding and physical activity can also influence the functioning of the clock. Photic and nonphotic zeitgebers can be synchronized resulting in metabolic homeostasis and energy balance within the organism or desynchronized which is associated with many pathological conditions. A second area of interest is the effect of various psychotropic drugs on learning, memory, and anxiety.�� ��

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Recent Courses

BL 1500 Principles of Biology I BL 1600 Principles of Biology II BL 3600/3605 Human Physiology BL 4750/ 5750 Endocrinology PS 4895 Individual Research Project in Neuroscience BL 5991 Master’s Thesis

Selected Publications

Murphy, H. M., Kalinina, A. I, and Wideman, C. H., Effects of Chronic Oral Administration of Midazolam on Memory and Circadian Rhythms in Rats. Drug Research (Stuttg) 73:40-45, 2023.

Ekstrand,E., Murphy, H. M. and Wideman, C. H., The Effects of the Prodrug Vyvanse on Spatial Working Memory and Adiposity in Rats. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 186:172765, 2019.

Warner T. A., Baumann, M. T. ��Wideman, C. H. and Murphy, H. M., The Role of Olanzapine Relating to Nutritional and Activity Measures in Male and Female Rats. Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research 14:219-226, 2016.

Murphy, Helen M., Ekstand, D., Tarchick, M., and Wideman, C. H., Modafinil as a Cognitive Enhancer of Spatial Working Memory in Rats. Physiology and Behavior 142:126-130, 2015.

Wideman, C.H., Cierniak, K. H., Sweet, W. E., Moravec, C. S., Murphy, H. M.,�� An Animal Model of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy Utilizing the Social Defeat Paradigm. ��Physiology & Behavior 120:220-227, 2013. ��

Murphy, H. M., Ihekoronze, C. and��Wideman, C. H.,�� Zolpidem-Induced Changes in Activity, Metabolism, and Anxiety in Rats, Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 98, 81-86, 2011.

Wideman, C. H., and Murphy, H. M., Constant Light Induces Alterations in Melatonin Levels, Food Intake, Feed Efficiency, Visceral Adiposity, and Circadian Rhythms in Rats, Nutritional Neuroscience 12.5, 233-240, 2009.

Wideman, C. H., Nadzam, G. R., and Murphy, H. M., Implications of an Animal Model of Sugar Addiction, Withdrawal, and Relapse for Human Health, Nutritional Neuroscience 8, 269-276, 2005.

Murphy, H. M.,��Wideman, C. H., and Nadzam, G. R., A Laboratory Animal Model of Human Shift Work. Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science 38, 316-328, 2003.

Murphy, H. M.,��Wideman, C. H., Aquila, L. A., and Nadzam, G. R.�� Telemetry Provides New Insight into Entrainment of Activity Wheel Circadian Rhythms and the Role of Body Temperature in the Activity-Stress Paradigm.�� Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science, 37, 228-241, 2002.