SELECTIVE INCREASE OF BRAIN DOPAMINE INDUCED BY γ‐HYDROXYBUTYRATE: STUDY OF THE MECHANISM OF ACTION*

Abstract

Abstract— γ‐Hydroxybutyrate (γ‐OH) produces a selective accumulation of brain DA not only in normal animals but also in reserpinized animals. This is especially evident after the administration of DOPA; while in parallel experiments γ‐OH does not influence significantly the amount of 5‐HT present in brain after 5‐HTP treatment. γ‐OH does not raise DA in rats after inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase. The accumulation of brain DA is not due to inhibition of MAO or COMT activity.