A new macrocyclic diterpenoid from Jatropha multifida.

A new diterpenoid, 15-epi-(4E)-jatrogrossidentadione acetate, along with several known constituents has been isolated from the stem of Jatropha multifida. The structure of the new compound was settled by a detailed analysis of its 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra.

Development of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid analogs with in vivo anti-hypertensive actions.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) contribute importantly to the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure control. The purpose of this study was to develop stable EET analogs and test their in vivo blood pressure lowering effects in hypertensive rats. Using the pharmacophoric moiety of EETs, ether EET analogs were designed with improved solubility and resistance to auto-oxidation and metabolism by soluble epoxide hydrolase.

Characterization of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid binding site in U937 membranes using a novel radiolabeled agonist, 20-125i-14,15-epoxyeicosa-8(Z)-enoic acid.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are important regulators of vascular tone and homeostasis. Whether they initiate signaling through membrane receptors is unclear. We developed 20-iodo-14,15-epoxyeicosa-8(Z)-enoic acid (20-I-14,15-EE8ZE), a radiolabeled EET agonist, to characterize EET binding to membranes of U937 cells.

Studies of anandamide accumulation inhibitors in cerebellar granule neurons: comparison to inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase.

The endocannabinoid, N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA) is accumulated by neurons via a process that has been characterized biochemically but not molecularly. Inhibitors of AEA accumulation have been characterized individually but have not been compared in a single study. Our purpose was to compare the potency of five previously described compounds (AM404, AM1172, VDM11, OMDM-2, and UCM707) both as inhibitors of AEA and N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) accumulation by cerebellar granule neurons and as inhibitors of AEA hydrolysis.

Convenient syntheses of [20,20,20-H(3)]-arachidonic acid and [20,20-H(2)]-20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid.

Deuterated arachidonic acid and 20-HETE were prepared in good overall yields and high stereoselectivities. Key transformations include a trans-specific vinyl dibromide reduction and Suzuki cross-couplings to a lithium borate or a 9-BBN borane. These standards are three and two mass units higher, respectively, than their naturally occurring counterparts and are useful in mass spectrometry analysis.