Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Autoradiography as a Simple and Powerful Method for Visualization and Characterization of Pharmacological Targets
Published on: March 12, 2019
[Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its lactone (GBL) as psychoactive substances]
Anna Krajewska1, Ewelina Kwiecień-Obara, Jarosław Szponar
1Samodzielny Publiczny Szpital Wojewódzki im. Jana Bozego w Lublinie, Regionalny Ośrodek Toksykologii Klinicznej.
Abstract:
Gammabutyrolactone is included in the solvent such as wheel cleaners, pesticides, cosmetics, drugs. After ingestion GBL is converted to gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Both substances are classified as so called "club drugs" and their action is characterized by euphoria, sedation, and induction of retrograde amnesia of events. These activities were basis for the use of GHB and its lactone as rape pill. Acute poisoning with these compounds causes confusion, agitation, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, dyskinesia, hallucinations, coma, irregular breathing, hypothermia, bradycardia, hypotension, convulsions, respiratory paralysis and thus respiratory arrest. These substances carry a risk of development of physical addiction of the hard proceeding of abstinence syndrome. In the USA there is a ban on the sale and promotion of these compounds. In Poland despite the fact that GHB is a controlled substance, there is no regulation of GBL trading. The aim of this paper is to summarize current knowledge regarding the pharmacology, impact on the human body, toxicity, and the effects of chronic abuse of these substances.
More Related Videos
05:31Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Paired with Total Vaporization Solid-Phase Microextraction as a Forensic Tool
Published on: May 25, 2021
07:51Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors
Published on: November 14, 2014
Related Concept Videos
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids