Low doses of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid stimulate the firing rate of dopaminergic neurons in unanesthetized rats.

In unanesthetized rats the intravenous (i.v.) administration of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) at the doses of 50-400 mg/kg produced a dose-related stimulation (10-56%) of the firing rate of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra. Doses of 1000 and 1500 mg/kg inhibited the firing rate almost completely. In unanesthetized rats the intraperitoneal injection of GHB at the dose of 750 mg/kg produced a brief initial stimulation (23%) followed by a modest reduction in the firing rate (29%). On the other hand, in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats the i.v. administration of GHB at cumulative doses of up to 200 mg/kg failed to modify the firing rate of DA neurons, while a cumulative dose of 400 mg/kg suppressed neuronal firing. The results indicate that sub-anesthetic doses of GHB stimulate the firing rate of DA neurons in unanesthetized rats.