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Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (4-hydroxybutanoic acid, C4H8O3) is both a drug and a naturally occurring compound found in the mammalian brain, where it could well function as a neurotransmitter. As a drug it is used most commonly in the form of a chemical salt (Na-GHB or K-GHB). It temporarily inhibits dopamine release in the brain and is said to stimulate pituitary growth hormone (GH) release, although this effect is mainly believed to be caused by a prolonged deep sleep that occurs when high doses of GHB are consumed.
 Structural formula of gamma-hydroxybutyrate Uses
Medical
It has been used as a general anesthetic and as a hypnotic in the treatment of insomnia, particularly in the treatment of narcolepsy under the trade name Xyrem. In addition, it is used by body-builders for its supposed boost to GH release; in the treatment for alcoholism; and to aid childbirth.
Recreational use
 Gamma-hydroxybutyrate powder Recreationally, GHB is used as an intoxicant (under names such as GHB, G, Liquid X, Liquid E, GBH, Gamma-oh, Georgia Home Boy, Blue Verve, Grievous Bodily Harm, although the last 5 names names are fairly uncommon in 'the drug scene' today).
Excessive doses can lead to unconsciousness. The Australian practice of putting ice cubes into the rectum of GHB users who have fallen unconscious has no medical benefits[1] (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,7361585%5E1702,00.html).
Its use recreationally and as a date rape drug in the 1990s led to it being placed in the US on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in March, 2000. In the UK it was made a class C drug in June 2003.
At low doses GHB can cause a state of euphoria and/or drunkenness. This kind of use is particularly common at rave parties.
GBL, or gamma-butyrolactone, a chemical precursor of GHB, has effects very similar to GHB but it might be more toxic.
1,4-Butanediol is legal, sold on the internet, and has almost identical effects to GHB, supposedly because it breaks down into GHB when ingested.
Mode of Action
In the brain two receptors have been identified that seem to mediate that action of GHB. One is the GHB receptor which might be responsible for the physiological and some of the pharmacological effects of GHB, and the second receptor is the GABAB which might be responsible, in part, for some of the pharmacological actions of GHB. Both types of receptor are linked to intracellular G proteins which are involved in signal transduction.
History
GHB was first synthesized in the early 1960s by Dr. Henri Laborit to use in studying the neurotransmitter GABA. It quickly found a wide range of uses due to its minimal side effects and controlled action, the only difficulties being the narrow safe dosage range and the dangers presented by its combination with alcohol.
Typically GHB has been synthesized from GBL (gamma-butrylactone) by adding sodium hydroxide (lye) in ethanol or water. As of late, GBL has become controlled and more circtuitous routes have to be taken such as those starting with THF (tetrahydrofuran).
See also
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