Eur J Anat, 11 (2): 85-88 (2007)

Effects of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (liquid ecstasy) on the development of the chick cranium

Guirao-Pineyro M., Pascual-Morenilla Ma.T., Roda-Moreno J.A., Lopez-Soler M., Arrebola-Nacle F., Casanova-Llivina J.A., Roda-Murillo O.

Departamento de Anatomía, Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Granada, Spain; Dpto. de Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Av. de Madrid 11, Granada, Spain

ABSTRACT Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a precursor to gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), is currently one of the widest used drugs of abuse, with devastating effects. GHB produces a transient rise in the concentration of dopamine in the brain, inducing a stimulating effect. However, GHB can produce hallucinations, delirium, somnolence, hypotonia, confusion, and loss of balance. There may be subsequent progression to coma, with severe respiratory alterations due to CNS depression. The effects of GHB on humans are unpredictable, and its impact on the embryo and fetus is completely unknown. The purpose of our study was to contribute experimental data regarding the effects of GHB on development. Groups of chick embryos received 100 ?l of GHB at dilutions of either 20% (GHB-A) or 30% (GHB-B) at 7 or 11 days of incubation, a further group serving as controls. After hatching, different cranial measurements were made using a Mitutoyo 500-331 series slide gauge in order to investigate possible effects of the drug on cranial development. At both doses studied, GHB significantly altered the transverse and vertical cranial measurements in comparison with vehicle-treated controls, suggesting a possible harmful effect on cranial development.

Keywords: 4 hydroxybutyric acid, dopamine, animal experiment, article, chick embryo, controlled study, GABAergic system, nonhuman, skull development