Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid
Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid
Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (pronunciation: /ˈɡæmə haɪˌdrɒksɪbjuːˈtɪrɪk ˈæsɪd/), often abbreviated as GHB, is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and a psychoactive drug. It is a precursor to GABA, glutamate, and glycine in certain brain areas.
Etymology
The term "Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid" is derived from its chemical structure, which consists of a gamma hydroxy group (-OH) attached to a butyric acid chain. The "gamma" refers to the position of the hydroxy group in the carbon chain, and "butyric acid" refers to the four-carbon acid structure.
Pharmacology
GHB is used medically for the treatment of narcolepsy and more rarely alcoholism. It is also used illegally as an intoxicant or as a date rape drug. GHB acts on the GABA receptor, specifically the GABA-B and GHB receptors.
Related Terms
- GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, a chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the development of the central nervous system.
- Glutamate: A key molecule in cellular metabolism and the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter.
- Glycine: An amino acid that has a single hydrogen atom as its side chain.
- Narcolepsy: A long-term neurological disorder that involves a decreased ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
- Alcoholism: A broad term for any drinking of alcohol that results in mental or physical health problems.
- GABA receptor: A class of receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid
- Wikipedia's article - Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid
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