DPN is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, (R)-DPN and (S)-DPN. Relative to (R)-DPN, (S)-DPN has between 3- and 7-fold higher affinity for ERβ and appears to have higher intrinsic activity in activating ERβ.[8][9] However, both enantiomers have very high affinity, potency, selectivity for ERβ and efficaciously activate ERβ.[8] In any case, it has been suggested that (S)-DPN might be the preferred enantiomer to use for scientific research.[8]
^Pfaus JG, Jone LS, Flanagan-Cato LM, Blaustein JD (15 November 2014). "Female Sexual Behavior". In Plant TM, Zeleznik AJ (eds.). Knobil and Neill's Physiology of Reproduction: Two-Volume Set. Academic Press. pp. 2311–. ISBN978-0-12-397769-4.
^Fex Svenningsen A, Wicher G, Lundqvist J, Pettersson H, Corell M, Norlin M (May 2011). "Effects on DHEA levels by estrogen in rat astrocytes and CNS co-cultures via the regulation of CYP7B1-mediated metabolism". Neurochemistry International. 58 (6): 620–4. doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2011.01.024. PMID21300119. S2CID6438705.