1,3-Dinitrates of cyclooxygenase metabolites of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Synthesis and properties
The 1,3-Dinitrates of glycerol esters of natural prostaglandins that are the cyclooxygenase metabolites of 2-arachidonoylglycerol, an endogenous ligand of cannabinoid receptors, were synthesized for the first time. Four methods of synthesis of these esters were developed via the activation of a carboxyl group and their chemical and pharmacological properties were investigated. The esters exhibit a more selective pharmacological spectrum of activities in comparison with the corresponding natural prostaglandins: some types of myotropic activity were enhanced, while others were loosened. 1,3-dinitroglycerol esters act as vasodilators, whereas the majority of natural prostaglandins act as vasoconstrictors. The observed changes result from the introduction of an NO-releasing fragment into prostaglandin molecule. © 2009 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.