Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid is a natural acid containing two groups, carboxylic and hydroxyl. Organic matter plays an important role in the human CNS. It affects the mechanisms of transmission of the nerve impulse - restrains them. Hydroxy acid is used in medicine, but in many countries it is prohibited by law.
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid description
GHB is a natural substance produced in human cells, structurally it is related to the ketone body. It is found in the human CNS. The acid is produced in the semi-liquid contents of the nerve cell, and during the nerve impulse it is released into the middle part of the synapse. The substance is also found in red wine, beef, citrus fruits.
The formula of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid is C₄H₈O₃. The substance, in fact, is a compound of sodium (126 g/mol) and potassium (142.19 g/mol) s alts. In terms of physical and chemical properties, it is a colorless and odorless liquid.
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid has several other names:hydroxybtonic acid, γ-hydroxybutyric acid, γ-hydroxybutyrate. The substance is used in medicine as an anesthetic and sedative.
History of the chemical synthesis of GHB
The synthesized structural formula of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid was first derived in 1874 by Alexander Zaitsev. But on humans, the substance was applied almost a century later, in the 1960s by Henri Lobori. Its main property was discovered by K. Krnevich. He studied the energy potentials that arise in the cerebral cortex due to irritation of the skin.
During the experiment, the scientist brought two pipettes to a neuron reproducing electrical potentials. He introduced the body of a neuron into one and registered the excitation, and filled the other with a weakly concentrated solution of GHB. When the hydroxy acid approached the neuron, it began to suppress impulses in sensitive cells.
Later, Japanese researchers confirmed these results. It became clear that gamma-hydroxybutyric acid inhibits nerve activity in the cerebral cortex. During the observations, it turned out that the substance is produced and secreted in the areas of the brain responsible for restraining the nerve impulse.
The first drug that inhibits the activity of nerve impulses was developed in Japan. It was a concentrate of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and was called "Gammalon". Later, the Russian generic "Aminalon" appeared. The drug was mainly used in geriatric practice and in the treatment of children with mental retardation.
Later the GHB amino groupreplaced with hydroxyl. The sodium s alt of the resulting substance (sodium oxybutyrate) is used as a non-inhalation anesthetic.
Pharmacology
GHB is a natural substance synthesized in gamma-aminobutyric acid and is its structural analogue. It improves the metabolic processes of the brain and is an endogenous neurotransmitter. Stimulates the turnover of serotonin in tissues and increases the movement of tryptopin to the brain.
Preparations of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in therapeutic doses activate receptors responsible for sedative action. The low concentrations of GHB found in medicinal products increase the release of domaphine. At high concentrations, the release rate of the norepinephrine precursor is reduced.
Increases the resistance of the brain to lack of oxygen and toxic effects. Promotes an increase in the output of glucose and oxygen. Activates mental activity, improves cognitive functions.
Improves the processes of synthesis, renewal of neurons, energy accumulation. It affects the metabolic processes of dopamine and serotonin. Normalizes electrical and biochemical activity of neurons.
It has an anti-anxiety effect, but does not cause relaxation of skeletal muscles. Prevents the formation of neuroses, stress-induced psychovegetative reactions. Sedative action is combined with activating and anti-asthenic. Improves the adaptive properties of the body.
The body produces GHB on its own inlow concentrations. When consumed for medical purposes, its content becomes higher than usual. Due to enzymatic kinetics, the body metabolizes the acid in the preparations and stops producing it.
GHB preparations
GHB - the active ingredient of various medicines. It has an effect on the neurons of the brain. Each drug has its own pharmacology and indications.
- Sodium oxybtirate is an anesthetic, a derivative of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. The duration of anesthesia is about two hours. The drug can be used as a sleeping pill, but only as directed by a doctor. Considered low toxicity.
- "Aminalon" is a nootropic agent designed to improve cognitive functions.
- "Neurobutal" is a nootropic, tranquilizing, adaptogenic drug. Indications for use are neurotic disorders caused by exposure to toxins, trauma, psychogenic factors.
- Picogam is a vasodilator that improves blood circulation in the brain.
- "Pikamilon" is a nootropic, antioxidant, antiaggregatory, tranquilizing agent. Used to improve blood microcirculation in the brain.
Indications and instructions for use of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid
GHB inhibits the activity of the central nervous system. It is used to reduce the symptoms of various neurological disorders (irritability, excitement). Gamma hydroxybutyric acid isan active ingredient in various prescription drugs used to treat the following conditions:
- catalepsy;
- narcolepsy;
- insomnia;
- depression;
- alcoholism.
In therapeutic doses, GHB and preparations based on it are used as an intoxicant. In high concentrations, the substance has a stimulating effect.
Side effects
When GHB is misused (overdose, use with other drugs, alcohol), unwanted and even life-threatening side effects appear:
- With a slight increase in dosage - painfully elevated mood, psychomotor agitation, increased sensitivity, excessive sympathy (empathy).
- When using large doses of GHB, symptoms of intoxication develop: nausea, dizziness, blurred vision (bright flashes, a veil before the eyes). Drowsiness, slow breathing, forgetfulness, fainting, death are also observed. The duration of the clinical picture depends on the dosage.
- When drinking alcohol and GHB at the same time, hydroxy acid slows down the rate of ethanol excretion. The combination of these two substances causes vomiting at the same time as drowsiness, and can lead to respiratory arrest.
The ban on the free sale of the substance only increased cases of GHB overdose. Anyone with a modest knowledge of chemistry can prepare acid at home on their own. Because of the ease of manufacturethe product is made in clandestine laboratories. People buy it and determine the dosage themselves, which leads to side effects and even lethality.
Non-medical use of GHB
The properties of GHB make it a depressant. The substance affects the functioning of the central nervous system, leads to a change in the state of consciousness.
GHB is widely used in clubs, open-airs, mass discos, parties. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid has very good solubility, which is why it is mixed into alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The substance promotes sociability, helps to quickly relax, causes a powerful, all-filling feeling of happiness, emotional uplift, a sense of well-being and carelessness.
GHB is being used as a "rape drug". The acid is odorless and tasteless, it is easy to mix it in, and the victim will not feel anything suspicious. During the investigation, hair testing is used to confirm the use of GHB. The substance is found in the hair within a month after application.
How is GHB use detected?
GHB is produced in very small quantities in the body. Even a slight excess of concentration affects the functionality of neurons. Therefore, the doctor must calculate the dosage.
People who take the substance as a drug, when arrested, claim that they were treated. By how much gamma-hydroxybutyric acid remains in the blood, it is determined whether it was useddrug therapeutically or for the purpose of intoxication. The plasma concentration of GHB in people taking the drug as a therapy is 50-250 ml / l. Exceeding these concentrations indicates the use of acid for intoxication.
Legal Status
In almost all countries, GHB is included in the list of narcotic drugs. Only different countries have different pen alties for the production and trade of the substance.
In Hong Kong, for example, drugs based on gamma-hydroxybutyric acid are available by prescription. When selling without a prescription, a pharmacist is fined a large amount. And illegal production and distribution is punishable by life imprisonment.
In Russia, GHB is also included in the list of restricted drugs.
