4-Aminobutanal

4-Aminobutanal, also known as γ-aminobutyraldehyde, 4-aminobutyraldehyde, or GABA aldehyde, is a metabolite of putrescine and a biological precursor of γ-aminobutyric acid. It can be converted into GABA by the actions of diamine oxidase and aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase . Putrescine is converted into 4-aminobutanal via monoamine oxidase B. However, biosynthesis of GABA from polyamines like putrescine is a minor metabolic pathway in the brain.
The related compound γ-hydroxybutyraldehyde is a prodrug of γ-hydroxybutyric acid as well as a metabolic intermediate in the conversion of 1,4-butanediol into GHB. However, aliphatic aldehydes like GHBAL are caustic, strong-smelling, and foul-tasting, and ingestion is likely to be unpleasant and result in severe nausea and vomiting.