From the Research
Receptors for Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)
- GHB acts on two main types of receptors: GABAB receptors and the GHB receptor, which is distinct from the GABAB receptor 1, 2, 3.
- GHB has a high affinity for the GHB receptor and a lower affinity for GABAB receptors 1, 2, 3.
- Some studies suggest that GHB may also act on certain subtypes of GABAA receptors, such as the α4β1δ subtype, but this is still a topic of debate 1, 3.
- The GHB receptor is thought to be involved in the neuromodulatory effects of GHB, while the GABAB receptor is thought to be involved in the pharmacological and behavioral effects of GHB, including its addictive properties 2, 4.
GHB Receptor vs. GABAB Receptor
- The GHB receptor and the GABAB receptor have different binding properties and are thought to mediate different effects of GHB 2, 3.
- The GHB receptor has a higher affinity for GHB than the GABAB receptor, and is thought to be involved in the high-affinity binding of GHB to brain tissue 3.
- The GABAB receptor, on the other hand, is thought to be involved in the lower-affinity binding of GHB and may mediate some of the pharmacological and behavioral effects of GHB, including its addictive properties 2, 4.
Effects of GHB on GABA(A) Receptors
- GHB has been shown to reduce GABA(A)-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, suggesting that it may have an inhibitory effect on GABA(A) receptors 5.
- However, GHB does not appear to act directly on postsynaptic GABA(A) receptors, and its effects on GABA(A) receptors may be mediated by presynaptic inhibition of Ca(2+) influx 5.