(±)12-HEPE is produced by non-enzymatic oxidation of EPA. It contains equal amounts of 12(S)-HEPE and 12(R)-HEPE. The biological activity of (±)12-HEPE is likely mediated by one of the individual isomers, most commonly the 12(S) isomer in mammalian systems. 12-HEPE inhibits platelet aggregation with the same potency as 12-HETE, exhibiting IC50 values of 24 and 25 μM, respectively. These compounds are also equipotent as inhibitors of U46619-induced contraction of rat aorta (IC50s = 8.6-8.8 μM).
