(+-)16(17)-EpDPA

EDHF (endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor) is an unidentified mediator released from vascular endothelial cells in response to acetylcholine and bradykinin which is distinct from the NOS- (nitric oxide) and COX-derived (prostacyclin) vasodilators.{6485,7204} Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids produces epoxides such as (+-)14(15)-EET (Item No. 50651) which are prime candidates for the actual active mediator.{5826} However, the CYP450 metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; Item No. 90110) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; Item No. 90310) have been little studied relative to arachidonate epoxygenase metabolites. (+-)16(17)-EpDPA is the DHA homolog of (+-)14(15)-EpETrE, derived via epoxidation of the 16,17-double bond of DHA. The EDHF activity of (+-)16(17)-EpDPA has not yet been determined. The epoxygenase metabolites of DHA have also been detected in a mouse inflammation model.{11433}