GHB, or gamma-
hydroxybutyrate, is a normal
constituent of mammalian
biochemistry. It is found
naturally in every cell in the
human body. In the brain,
the highest amounts occur in
the hypothalamus and basal
ganglia [Gallimberti, 1989].
GHB is found in even greater
concentrations in the kidney,
heart, skeletal muscles, and
brown fat [Chin, 1992]. It is
believed to be a
neurotransmitter, although
the jury is still out as to
whether it exhibits all of the
properties required for
fulfillment of this function
[Chin, 1992]. It is both a
metabolite and precursor of
the inhibitory
neurotransmitter GABA
(gamma-aminobutyric acid),
to which it bears a close
relationship of chemical
structure. GHB, however,
does not act on GABA
receptor sites [Chin,
1992].
GHB was first synthesized
about thirty years ago by H.
Laborit, a French researcher
interested in exploring the
effects of GABA in the brain.
Direct administration of
GABA would not be effective
for this purpose because it
does not cross the blood-
brain barrier. Laborits
alternative was to administer
GHB, which does cross the
blood-brain barrier, and some
of which, once inside the
brain, metabolizes into GABA
[Vickers, 1969].
Independently of its
relationship to GABA,
however, GHB turned out to
be a drug with its own range
of effects. It has since been
widely used and researched,
finding applications in
obstetrics and general
anesthesia and in the
treatment of alcohol
withdrawal syndrome,
narcolepsy, insomnia, and
other arenas.
During the 1980s, GHB
was widely available over-the-
counter in health-food
stores, purchased largely by
body-builders for its ability to
aid in fat reduction and
muscle-building. In the last
few years it has been
gaining popularity as a
recreational drug offering a
pleasant, alcohol-like,
hangover-free high and
potent prosexual effects.
Narcotica
has extensive research
papers on GHB, the facts
about it, how it can be
obtained and how it is used
recreationally. We also have
the complete synthesis for
GHB. |
