131339-24-7

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.^1,2 Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids, produces epoxides such as (±)14(15)-EpETrE which are prime candidates for the actual active mediator.³ However, the CYP450 metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; ) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; ) have been little studied relative to arachidonate epoxygenase metabolites. (±)14(15)-EpETE is the ω-3 homolog of 14(15)-EpETrE, derived via epoxidation of the 14,15-double bond of EPA. The EDHF activity of (±)14(15)-EpETE has not yet been determined.

14(15)-EpETE is the epoxide of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and is involved in the regulation of vascular tone and renal function[1].

1. Chataigneau, T., Félétou, M., Duhault, J., et al. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, potassium channel blockers, and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in the guinea-pig carotid artery Br. J. Pharmacol. 123(3),574-580(1998).
2. Fisslthaler, B., Popp, R., Kiss, L., et al. Cytochrome P450 ²C is an EDHF synthase in coronary arteries Nature 401(6752),493-497(1999).
3. Baron, A., Frieden, M., and Bény, J.L. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids activate a high-conductance, Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channel on pig coronary artery endothelial cells J. Physiol. 504(Pt 3),537-543(1997).