Gammahydroxy butyric acid: cardiovascular effects in the rat

Gammahydroxybutyric acid (GHBA) 1 g/kg i.p. induced a marked and sustained increase in heart frequency and blood pressure in the rats. These effects of GHBA were abolished by a high spinal transection. In biochemical experiments GHBA in the same dose increased the turnover of brain noradrenaline but decreased the turnover of dopamine. The cardiovascular effects of GHBA are suggested to be of central origin, and possibly involve central noradrenergic mechanisms.