Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a naturally occurring short-chain fatty acid and central nervous system depressant. It is also a prescription medicine for narcolepsy and a drug with substantial risks of misuse and poisoning.

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GABA receptors: A family of receptors that mediate most inhibitory signaling by gamma-aminobutyric acid in the central nervous system. GHB can activate GABA-B receptors, contributing to sedation and other central nervous system effects.
Sodium oxybate: The sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, prescribed in controlled doses for certain symptoms of narcolepsy. This regulated medicine delivers GHB for therapeutic use under close dosing and safety controls.
Alexander Zaytseff: A Russian chemist who first synthesized gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in the nineteenth century. His synthesis established GHB as a chemical compound long before its medical and recreational uses.
Gamma-butyrolactone: A cyclic ester that is rapidly converted into gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the body. It is a GHB prodrug, not the same chemical compound, and can produce similar effects after ingestion.
GHB receptor: A proposed receptor site that binds gamma-hydroxybutyrate and may influence neurotransmitter release. Its role may help explain GHB effects not accounted for by GABA-B receptors alone.
Narcolepsy: A chronic neurological disorder involving excessive daytime sleepiness and, in some cases, sudden loss of muscle tone. Sodium oxybate is used to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.
Henri Laborit: A French surgeon and pharmacologist whose research helped introduce GHB into medical and anesthetic use. His work helped bring GHB from chemical synthesis into clinical investigation.
1,4-Butanediol: An industrial solvent and chemical intermediate that the body can convert into gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Like gamma-butyrolactone, it can produce GHB effects but has distinct toxicological risks.
GABA-B receptor: A metabotropic receptor for gamma-aminobutyric acid that reduces neuronal activity through G-protein signaling. At intoxicating concentrations, GHB acts on this receptor to depress central nervous system activity.
GHB intoxication: A toxic state caused by excessive gamma-hydroxybutyrate exposure, ranging from confusion to coma and respiratory depression. Its rapid onset and narrow margin between effects and severe toxicity make overdose a medical emergency.