[Effects of sodium oxybutyrate on the level of catecholamines and serotonin and monoamine oxidase activity in patients with alcoholism].

Sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (Na-GHB) was administered to 37 drug-free alcoholic men in placebo controlled study. The psychotropic effect was evaluated using psychometric scale of 4 ranges. Changes in plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and platelet MAO-B activity were assessed. The psychotropic effect was observed in 27 (76%) patients. The baseline of dopamine concentration was significantly correlated with the expression of psychotropic effect. Na-GHB decreased dopamine concentration in responders. The possible involvement of dopaminergic system in the realization of psychotropic effect of Na-GHB was discussed.