Gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid

gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB) is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. It is found naturally in the human body but it is not known whether it has an important physiological role at normal concentrations.

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GABOB has anticonvulsant properties,^[1] but is of relatively low potency when used by itself, and is more useful as an adjutant treatment used alongside another anticonvulsant drug.^[2] It has two stereoisomers, with the (3S) isomer d-GABOB being around twice as potent an anticonvulsant as the (3R) isomer l-GABOB.^[3]

Other studies have suggested it may produce improved learning and memory function,^[4] probably through a cholinergic mechanism,^[5] as well as boosting growth hormone release.^[6][7][8] However its effectiveness for these purposes has not been well established and it is not widely used in medicine, although it is sold as a dietary supplement.

References

1. ^ Chemello R, Giaretta D, Pellegrini A, Testa G. Effect of gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (GABHB) on experimentally-induced epileptic activity. (Italian). Rivista di Neurologia. 1980 Jul-Aug;50(4):253-68.
2. ^ García-Flores E, Farías R. gamma-Amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid as add-on therapy in adult patients with severe focal epilepsy. Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. 1997;69(1-4 Pt 2):243-6.
3. ^ Roberts E, Krause DN, Wong E, Mori A. Different efficacies of d- and l-gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acids in GABA receptor and transport test systems. Journal of Neuroscience. 1981 Feb;1(2):132-40.
4. ^ Banfi S, Fonio W, Allievi E, Pinza M, Dorigotti L. Cyclic GABA-GABOB analogues. IV. Activity on learning and memory. Il Farmaco; Edizione Scientifica. 1984 Jan;39(1):16-22.
5. ^ Yano S, Mizuno M, Watanabe K. Stimulatory effect of some therapeutic drugs used for improving cerebral insufficiency on gastric acid secretion in rats. Pharmacology. 1990;40(4):205-10.
6. ^ Fioretti P, Melis GB, Paoletti AM, Parodo G, Caminiti F, Corsini GU, Martini L. Gamma-amino-beta-hydroxy butyric acid stimulates prolactin and growth hormone release in normal women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 1978 Dec;47(6):1336-40.
7. ^ Takahara J, Yunoki S, Yakushiji W, Yamauchi J, Hosogi H, Ofuji T. Stimulatory effects of gamma-aminohydroxybutyric acid (GABOB) on growth hormone, prolactin and cortisol release in man. Hormone and Metabolic Research. 1980 Jan;12(1):31-4.
8. ^ Melis GB, Paoletti AM, Mais V, Mastrapasqua NM, Strigini F, Fruzzetti F, Guarnieri G, Gambacciani M, Fioretti P. Dose-related effects of gamma-amino beta-hydroxy butyric acid (GABOB) infusion on growth hormone secretion in normal women. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. 1982 Mar-Apr;5(2):101-6.