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--> --> Amino acid counteracts the `date rape' drug By William McCall Associated Press Writer PORTLAND - A rare genetic disorder has led researchers to something as simple as milk as a possible way to counteract the effects of GHB, also known as the "date-rape" drug. The disorder produces unnaturally high levels of GHB - gamma hydroxybutyrate - in body fluids and tissues. But researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University used mice to determine that a simple amino acid commonly found in milk can reduce the GHB buildup. Also known as "Georgia home boy," "Goop" and "grievous bodily harm," GHB is generated naturally in the body. A large amount can cause hallucinations, unconsciousness and even death. A synthetic form of GHB was first developed in the 1960s. Doctors use it to treat narcolepsy, for alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms, and as anesthesia under certain conditions. GHB also was sold in health food stores to aid in weight loss and muscle building. But in the 1990s, it became a popular party drug, causing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to warn that GHB was unsafe unless prescribed by a doctor. The drug also became notorious as a simple way to incapacitate women and make them easy prey for sexual assault. A few drops in a drink can trigger loss of consciousness within minutes. Victims typically have no memory of what happened, and the drug is difficult to trace. As a result, the FDA added GHB to its list of controlled substances in March 2000, removing it from the over-the-counter market. The drug also drew the attention of researchers studying the rare genetic disorder known as succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, because it generates high levels of GHB in the body. The disorder affects only about 350 people worldwide. "As GHB's popularity skyrocketed over the last decade, we recognized the value of using the disorder as a model for those abusing the drug," said Michael Gibson, a professor of molecular and medical genetics at OHSU. Researchers bred mice with the genetic deficiency, and found that an amino acid called taurine, commonly found in milk, partially counteracted the effects of GHB buildup. Taurine also is found in popular high-energy drinks sold at supermarkets across the country. The Oregon study will be used to develop ways to treat victims of GHB overdoses, said William Thompson of the OHSU technology office. The study is scheduled to appear in the October edition of the journal Nature Genetics. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing