Plasma and central nervous system kinetics of gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

Sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate was administered to dogs in dosages of 200 to 1000 mg per kg with continuous EEG and temperature monitoring. Based on these studies, pulsed doses of 500 mg/kg of GHB were given and timed serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain samples obtained. In addition a group of animals were sacrificed 60 minutes after GHB administration and the regional distribution of GHB determined. The CSF kinetics of GBH suggests a passive diffusionof GHB into CSF but brain concentration peaked very early. Highest concentrations of GHB were found in cortical white matter with lower concentrations in subcortical areas.