(R)-(-)-Docosahexaenyl-2'-Hydroxy-1'-Propylamide

N-Acyl ethanolamines (NAEs) have diverse biological actions that are strongly affected by the associated acyl group. Docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) has potential signaling roles in cancer, inflammation, and neurological development and functioning.^1,2,3,4 At least some of DHEA’s effects are mediated through cannabinoid (CB) receptors, while some NAEs also act as vanilloid receptor agonists and voltage-gated K⁺ channel blockers.^1,4,5 (R)-(−)-Docosahexaenyl-2’-droxy-1’-propylamide is a homolog of DHEA, characterized by the addition of an (R)-β-metl group at the terminal ethanolamine carbon. A similar modification of arachidonoyl ethanolamide to produce R-2 methanandamide imparts diminished affinity for the CB receptor as well as reduced metabolic stability.⁶ The psiological actions of this compound have not been evaluated.