2-O-methyl PAF C-16 is a synthetic analog of platelet-activating factor (PAF) featuring a methyl group attached via an ether linkage at the sn-2 position. While the specific biological activities of 2-O-methyl PAF C-16 remain undercharacterized, studies with its C-18 counterpart have demonstrated its ability to modulate various biological processes. These processes include reducing plasma membrane fluidity and hindering the invasiveness of tumor cells in embryonic chick hearts. Furthermore, in rat astrocytes, the C-18 analog prompts the release of significant amounts of nitric oxide (NO) through a mechanism that involves the activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
Diheptanoyl Thio-PC is a substrate for all phospholipase A2s (PLA2s) with the exception of cPLA2 and PAF-acetyl hydrolase (PAF-AH). Interaction of this compound with a PLA2 results in cleavage of the sn-2 fatty acid generating a free thiol on the lysophospholipid. This free thiol can be detected using chromogenic substrates such as DTNB (Ellman's reagent) and DTP.