Gamma hydroxybutyric acid is a naturally occurring acid containing two groups, carboxylic and hydroxyl. Organic matter plays an important role in the human central nervous system. It affects the transmission mechanisms of the nerve impulse - it restrains them. Hydroxy acid is used in medicine, but in many countries it is prohibited by law.
Gamma hydroxybutyric acid: description
GHB - a natural substance produced in human cells, structurally it is associated with the ketone body. It is found in the human central nervous system. Acid is produced in the semi-fluid contents of a nerve cell, and during a nerve impulse it is secreted into the middle part of the synapse. The substance is also found in red wine, beef, citrus fruits.
The formula for gamma hydroxybutyric acid is CโHโOโ. The substance, in fact, is a compound of sodium (126 g / mol) and potassium (142.19 g / mol) salts. By physico-chemical properties it is a liquid without color and odor.
Gamma hydroxybutyric acid has several other names: hydroxybtonic acid, ฮณ-hydroxybutyric acid, ฮณ-hydroxybutyrate. The substance is used in medicine as an anesthetic and sedative.
History of chemical synthesis of GHB
The synthesized structural formula of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid was first derived in 1874 by Alexander Zaitsev. But in humans, the substance was applied almost a century later, in the 1960s, Henri Lobory. Its main property was discovered by K. Krnevich. He investigated the energy potentials that arise in the cerebral cortex due to irritation of the skin.
During the experiment, the scientist brought two pipettes to the neuron reproducing electric potentials. He introduced the body of a neuron into one and recorded excitation, and filled the other with a weakly concentrated GHB solution. 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 nervous 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 to inhibit nerve impulse activity was developed in Japan. It was a concentrate of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and was called "Gammalon." Later appeared the Russian generic Aminalon. The drug was mainly used in geriatric practice and in the treatment of children with oligophrenia.
Later, the amino group of GHB was replaced by hydroxyl. The sodium salt of the obtained 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. Improves metabolic processes in the brain and is an endogenous neurotransmitter. It stimulates the circulation of serotonin in the tissues and increases the movement of tryptophin into the brain.
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid preparations in therapeutic doses activate the sedative receptors. Low concentrations of GHBs contained in drugs contribute to an increase in the release of domafin. At high concentrations, the release rate of the noradrenaline precursor decreases.
Increases brain resistance to oxygen deficiency and toxic effects. Helps to increase the output of glucose and oxygen. It activates mental activity, improves cognitive functions.
Improves the processes of synthesis, renewal of neurons, energy storage. It affects the metabolic processes of dopamine and serotonin. Normalizes the electrical and biochemical activity of neurons.
It has an anti-anxiety effect, but does not cause relaxation of skeletal muscles. Prevents the formation of neurosis, stress-induced psycho-vegetative reactions. Sedation is combined with activating and antiastenic. Improves the adaptive properties of the body.
The body independently produces GHB in low concentrations. When consumed for medical purposes, its content becomes higher than usual. Thanks to enzymatic kinetics, the body absorbs acid in the drugs and stops producing it.
GHB preparations
GHB - the active substance of various medicines. It has an effect on brain neurons. 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 sleeping pills, but only as prescribed by the doctor. It is considered a low-toxic agent.
- "Aminalon" is a nootropic drug designed to improve cognitive function.
- Neurobutal is a nootropic, tranquilizing, adaptogenic drug. Indications for use are neurotic disorders caused by exposure to toxins, trauma, psychogenic factors.
- "Pikogam" - a vasodilator drug that improves blood circulation in the brain.
- "Picamilon" is a nootropic, antioxidant, antiaggregation, tranquilizing agent. It is used to improve blood microcirculation in the brain.
Indications and instructions for use of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid
GHB suppresses central nervous system activity. It is used to reduce the symptoms of various neurological disorders (irritability, excitement). Gamma hydroxybutyric acid is an active component of various prescription drugs used to treat the following diseases:
- catalepsy;
- narcolepsy;
- insomnia;
- depression;
- alcoholism.
In therapeutic doses, GHB and drugs based on it are used as an intoxicant. In high concentrations, the substance has a stimulating effect.
Side effects
With improper use of GHB (excess dosage, use with other drugs, alcohol), unwanted and even life-threatening side effects are manifested:
- With a slight increase in dosage - painfully elevated mood, psychomotor agitation, hypersensitivity, excessive empathy (empathy).
- When using large doses of GHB, symptoms of intoxication develop: nausea, dizziness, visual impairment (bright flashes, veil before the eyes). Drowsiness, respiratory depression, forgetfulness, fainting, death are also observed. The duration of the clinical picture depends on the dosage.
- With the simultaneous use of alcohol and GHB, hydroxy acid slows down the rate of ethanol elimination. 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 the overdose of GHB. Any person with a modest knowledge of chemistry can independently prepare acid at home. Due to the ease of manufacture, the product is made in clandestine laboratories. People buy it and determine the dosage themselves, which leads to side effects and even mortality.
Non-medical use of GHB
The properties of GHB allow it to be attributed to depressants. 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, public discos, parties. Gamma hydroxybutyric acid has a very good solubility, which is why it is mixed into alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The substance promotes sociability, helps to quickly liberate oneself, causes a powerful, all-filling feeling of happiness, emotional recovery, a feeling of well-being and carelessness.
GHB is used as a โrape substanceโ. The acid has no smell and taste, it is easy to mix, 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?
In the body, GHB is produced in very small quantities. Even slight excess concentration affects the functionality of neurons. Therefore, the dosage should be calculated by the doctor.
People taking the substance as a drug during detention claim to have been treated. By how much gamma-hydroxybutyric acid remains in the blood, it is determined whether the drug was used therapeutically or for the purpose of intoxication. The concentration of GHB in plasma in people taking the drug as 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 penalties for the production and sale of a substance.
In Hong Kong, for example, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid-based drugs are available as prescription drugs. For over-the-counter sales, the pharmacist is fined a large amount. And illegal production and marketing is punishable by life imprisonment.
In Russia, GHB is also included in the list of narcotic drugs, the circulation of which is limited.