Gamma-hydroxybutyrate is a weak agonist
at recombinant GABA(B) receptors

by
Lingenhoehl K, Brom R, Heid J, Beck P,
Froestl W, Kaupmann K, Bettler B, Mosbacher J
Nervous System Research,
Novartis Pharma AG,
Basel, Switzerland.
Neuropharmacology 1999 Nov; 38(11):1667-73


ABSTRACT

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a neuromodulator with high affinity binding sites in the mammalian brain. However, the receptor for GHB has not yet been identified. There are indications that GHB and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediate their effects via the same receptor. We tested this hypothesis using GABA(B)R1/R2 receptors co-expressed with Kir3 channels in Xenopus oocytes. GHB activated these receptors with an EC50 of approximately 5 mM and a maximal stimulation of 69% when compared to the GABA(B) receptor agonist L-baclofen. GHB and L-baclofen did not amplify each others effect nor did they stimulate the GABA(B) receptor in a linearly additive manner. CGP54626A, 2-OH saclofen and CGP35348, three competitive GABA(B) receptor antagonists, inhibited the GHB induced response completely. A concentration of 30 mM GHB displaced [125I]CGP64213 binding at GABA(B)R1 expressed in COS cells by 21%. These results indicate that GHB is a weak partial agonist at the GABA binding site of GABA(B)R1/R2.
GHB
GABA
MDMA
Opioids
Reward
Alcohol
Phenibut
Dopamine
GHB: structure
GHB withdrawal
GHB and cocaine
Drugs and reward
GHB and GABA(B)
GHB and the brain
GHB and alcoholism
GHB and narcolepsy
GHB and growth hormone
The pleasure and the pain
GHB, GABA(A) and GABA(B)
GABA, pain and the cerebral cortex
GABA(B) receptor function and antidepressant activity
Presence of GHB and GBL in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks


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