Background:

C6 ceramide is a cell-permeable analog of naturally occurring ceramides. With a longer carbon chain than C2 ceramide, it is somewhat more hydrophobic, and may more closely mimic the effects of natural ceramides. C6 ceramide mediates many diverse biological activities including apoptosis, activation of protein phosphatase 2A, and inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It also enhances the expression of COX-2 in rat granulosa cells and stimulates the growth of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells. C6 ceramide acts in neuronal axons to inhibit neurite growth.