α-Methylated derivatives of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol: Synthesis, CB1 receptor activity, and enzymatic stability

α-Methylated analogues of the endogenous cannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), were synthesized aiming to the improved enzymatic stability of 2-AG. In addition, the CB1 activity properties of fluoro derivatives of 2-AG were studied. The CB1 receptor activity was determined by the [ 35S]GTPγS binding assay, and the enzymatic stability of α-methylated analogues was determined in rat cerebellar membranes. The results indicate that even if the α-methylated 2-AG derivatives are slightly weaker CB1 receptor agonists than 2-AG, they are clearly more stable than 2-AG. In addition, the results showed that the replacement of the hydroxyl group(s) of 2-AG by fluorine does not improve the CB1 activity of 2-AG.