GHB-involved crimes among intoxicated patients

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) was first synthesized by Laborit et al. in 1960 [1], however, it is also a naturally occuring compound of mammalian central nervous system and peripheral tissue [2,3]. The recreational use and abuse of this substance began in the 1990 ’s [4], resulting in increasing numbers of intoxicated patients who needed urgent toxicological care. Dose-dependent effects of GHB can mainly be explained by its affinity for two receptors in the brain. At low doses, GHB might bind to the GHB-specific receptor [5] and by doing so, it inhibits pre synaptic dopamine release and evokes stimulant-like effects [6].

Source: Forensic Science International - March 9, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: M áté Kapitány-Fövény, Gábor Zacher, János Posta, Zsolt Demetrovics Source Type: research