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Production of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in postmortem liver increases with time after death
Koichi Sakurada1, Masahiko Kobayashi, Hirotaro Iwase
1National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, 277-0880, Chiba-ken, Japan. sakurada@nrips.go.jp
Abstract:
Gamma-hydroxybutyric (GHB) acid, which is becoming popular as a drug of abuse, was shown by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to increase in mouse liver with time after death. The amount detected was 0.8 +/- 1.0 microg/g at 3 h after death, 4.7 +/- 1.5 microg/g at 24 h, and 8.8 +/- 0.8 microg/g at 72 h. Furthermore, GHB was detected in samples from deceased persons, at concentrations of 2.6-12.0 microg/g in liver, 0.4-7.3 microg/ml in blood, and 0-2.6 microg/ml in urine, but was not detected in the blood and urine of living persons. Although 1,4-butanediol has been suggested to be a precursor of GHB produced after death, 1,4-butanediol was not detected in any of our samples. Additionally, succinate semialdehyde arising from gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transamination to GHB was also barely detectable in any of our samples. This study supports previous reports that GHB is a product of postmortem decomposition. Production of GHB increases with time after death in postmortem liver; since we were unable to identify endogenous 1,4-butanediol and succinate semialdehyde in our samples, the pathway of GHB production after death remains unclear.
Insights
Gamma-hydroxybutyric (GHB) increases in mouse liver after death, confirming its role in postmortem decomposition. The exact pathway for GHB production postmortem remains unclear, despite investigation into potential precursors.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Postmortem Chemistry
- Drug Abuse Research
Background:
- Gamma-hydroxybutyric (GHB) is increasingly recognized as a drug of abuse.
- Previous studies suggest GHB can be a product of postmortem decomposition.
- Understanding GHB's postmortem formation is crucial for forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the postmortem changes in GHB levels in mouse liver.
- To determine the presence and concentration of GHB in human postmortem samples.
- To explore potential precursors for postmortem GHB formation.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed for GHB quantification.
- Mouse liver samples were analyzed at various time points postmortem (3, 24, and 72 hours).
- Human postmortem samples (liver, blood, urine) were analyzed for GHB, 1,4-butanediol, and succinate semialdehyde.
Main Results:
- GHB levels significantly increased in mouse liver over time postmortem.
- GHB was detected in postmortem human liver, blood, and urine samples.
- Neither 1,4-butanediol nor succinate semialdehyde were detected in significant amounts in the analyzed samples.
Conclusions:
- GHB is a product of postmortem decomposition, with levels increasing over time.
- The identified concentrations of GHB in human postmortem samples are relevant for forensic analysis.
- The specific biochemical pathway for postmortem GHB production remains undetermined.