Description
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. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids produces epoxides such as 14(15)-EpETrE which are prime candidates for the actual active mediator. However, the CYP450 metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been little studied compared to arachidonate epoxygenase metabolites. 19(20)-EpDPE is a DHA epoxygenase metabolite, that is derived via epoxidation of the ω-3 double bond of DHA. EDHF activity of 19(20)-EpDPE has not been determined. The epoxygenase metabolites of DHA have also been detected in a murine inflammation model