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Frank Hucklebridge

frank-hucklebridge

T: 020 7911 5000 ext 3577
F: 020 7911 5087
E: hucklef@westminster.ac.uk

Background

Prof Hucklebridge studied Zoology (with ancillary psychology) as his first degree, then completed a PhD in Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, examining the neuroendocrine responses to social stress.  He did post doc work in an Immunobiology lab, working on the development of T cells.  He joined the University of Westminster (then PCL) in 1974 and has taught extensively in endocrinology, reproductive physiology, cellular neuroscience, psychophysiology and endocrinology, teaching both in Biosciences and Psychology.  He continued his research interests in behavioural neuroendocrinology, but also developed collaborations with neighbouring University College to study the influence of opiods on T cell activity. 

In 1989, he joined with two colleagues, now based in the Psychology Dept, U of W, to found the Psychophysiology of Stress Research Group, which has acquired a national and international reputation.  The group set out to explore the relationship between ‘stress’ neuroendocrine and neuroimmune activity and health outcomes.   Professor Hucklebridge has presented data and spoken at numerous national and international conferences.  He has co-authored/edited three books and has written numerous book chapters and reviews.  He has published over 60 original articles in peer reviewed journals and does editorial work for a number of leading international Journals in his field.

Research Interest

  • The role and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
  • The awakening cortisol response and its relation to diurnal cortisol secretory activity.
  • Immune function, health and socioeconomic status (SES).
  • Influence of light and seasonality on patterns of diurnal cortisol secretion.
  • Diurnal cortisol secretory activity in relation to adrenarche and puberty.
  • Psychosocial and adrenal function correlates of adolescent anorexia nervosa.
  • Relationship between autonomic activity and the HPA axis.  
  • The concept and measurement of well-being and its relation to HPA activity.
  • HPA activity in relation to smoking and smoking cessation.
  • Salivary as an alternative to blood cortisol measurement in the monitoring of adrenal insufficiency and cortisol replacement.

Current Research / Ongoing Projects

  • Adolescent anorexia nervosa:  Psychosocial correlates and HPA disregulation.
  • HPA activity and seasonality.
  • HPA activity and Heart rate variability (analysis of autonomic tone.)
  • HPA activity and well-being in an elderly community population (active seniors) and a student population.
  • HPA activity, adrenarche and puberty.
  • HPA activity and childhood endocrine development. 
  • HPA activity and Autonomic arousal.

Selected Publications

Stalder,T., Hucklebridge, F., Evans, P and Clow, A. (2009) Use of a single case study design to examine state variation in the cortisol awakening response: Relationship with time of awakening. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 34, 607-614.

Oskis, A., Loveday, C., Hucklebridge, F., Thorn, L. and Clow, A. (2009) Diurnal patterns of salivary cortisol across the adolescent period in healthy females. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 34, 307-316.

Thorn, L., Hucklebridge, F., Evans, P. and Clow, A. (2009) The cortisol awakening response, seasonality, stress and arousal: A study of trait and state influences. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 34, 299-306.

Evans, P., Forte, D., Jacobs, C., Fredhoi, C., Aitchison, E., Hucklebridge, F. and Clow, A. (2007) Cortisol secretory activity in older people in relation to positive and negative well-being. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 32, 922-930.

Thorn, L., Hucklebridge, F., Evans, P. and Clow, A. (2006) Suspected non-adherence and weekend versus week day differences in the awakening cortisol response. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 31, 1009-1018.

Awards and Grants

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) ‘The effect of hydrocortisone on desire to smoke and tobacco withdrawal symptons’ Award 2007 £38,000.  PI Michael Usher, St. Georges University of London

Research Groups / Key Appointments