Oral sodium oxybate does not alter plasma kisspeptin levels in healthy male volunteers

Abstract

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB, clinically administrated as sodium oxybate) is a GABA-B/GHB receptor agonist inducing prosexual effects and progesterone secretion in humans. As the neuropeptide kisspeptin has well-established roles in regulating sexual behavior and as it was also associated with GABA-B receptor and progesterone function, we investigated the effect of two GHB doses (20 and 35 mg/kg p.o.) on plasma kisspeptin levels in 30 healthy male volunteers, using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design. We found no significant alterations of kisspeptin levels after GHB administration compared to placebo. In conclusion, plasma kisspeptin levels are not related to the prosexual effects of GHB.