title: gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid in subcellular fractions of rat brain.
abstract: The presence of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in synaptosome-enriched fractions of rat brain was ascertained using a GLC technique. The stability of GHB in synaptosomes was evaluated by addition of various gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase (GABA-T) inhibitors, GHB, or ethosuximide to the homogenizing medium. Furthermore, changes in whole brain GHB levels were compared with those in the synaptosomal fraction in animals treated with GABA-T inhibitors, GABA, or ethosuximide. GHB was present in synaptosome-enriched fractions in concentrations ranging from 40 to 70 pmol/mg of protein. There was no evidence for redistribution, leakage, or metabolism of GHB during the preparation of synaptosomes. The elevations of whole brain GHB level associated with GABA-T or ethosuximide treatment were reflected by a parallel increase in synaptosomal GHB content. These data add to the growing evidence that GHB may have neurotransmitter or neuromodulator function.
mesh_terms: D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D005013:Ethosuximide / Q000494:pharmacology; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000378:metabolism*; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000378:metabolism; D013574:Synaptosomes / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D005013:Ethosuximide; D012978:Sodium Oxybate; D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase