Intravenous self-administration of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in drug-naivemice

The reinforcing effects of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) were studied by means of intravenous self-administration in drug-naive mice. GHB self-admin istration was concentration-dependent (0.01-0.5 mg/kg/inj) according to a b ell-shaped curve. Pretreatment with the specific GHB receptor antagonist NC S-382 at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg i.p. completely antagonized the reinforcing e ffects of GHB. These data suggest that GHB is able to induce reinforcing ef fects in mice and support the hypothesis of an abuse liability of this drug . (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V./ECNP. All rights reserved.