Effect of aromatic short-chain analogues of ceramide on axonal growth in hippocampal neurons

A series of D-erythro- and L-threo-ceramide analogues was synthesized and i nvestigated for their ability to reverse the inhibitory effects of fumonisi n B-1 (FB1) on axonal growth in hippocampal neurons. The analogues containe d either a C-7 Side chain or a phenyl group substituted for the C-13 residu e present in naturally occurring ceramides, while the N-acyl chain length w as reduced from C-16-C-24 to C-2-C-8. D-erythro-Ceramide 18a with a C-7 Sid e chain and an N-acetyl residue and D-erythro-ceramide 20c with an aromatic side chain and an N-hexanoyl residue were most active in reversing the inh ibitory effects of FB1 on axonal growth, although the mechanism remains unc lear.