C16 dihydro Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid and precursor in the de novo synthesis of C16 ceramide (d18:0/16:0) that lacks the 4,5-trans double bond.[1] C16 dihydro Ceramide (0-46 nM) inhibits C16 ceramide-induced membrane permeabilization, measured as cytochrome C oxidation, in rat liver mitochondria in a concentration-dependent manner. It also inhibits C16 ceramide-induced channel formation in liposomes. C16 dihydro ceramide is biologically inactive as a single agent, lacking the ability to induce apoptosis, cytochrome C release, or channel formation in phospholipid membranes in the absence of C16 ceramide.
Reference:
[1]. Stiban, J., Fistere, D., and Colombini, M. Dihydroceramide hinders ceramide channel formation: Implications on apoptosis. Apoptosis 11(5), 773-780 (2006).