The role of nitrite ion in phagocyte function--perspectives and puzzles.

Arch Biochem Biophys

Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA.

Published: April 2009

AI Article Synopsis

  • Macrophages and neutrophils are key components of the immune system, generating toxic compounds to fight off infections, particularly through a process called phagocytosis.
  • The types of toxic chemicals produced by these cells differ significantly, with activated macrophages generating nitrite ions that can kill microbes, especially at infection sites.
  • Despite the theoretical potential of nitrite in aiding cellular disinfection, current research offers limited evidence for its effectiveness in the environments within phagocytes (phagosomes).

Article Abstract

Macrophages and neutrophils are essential elements of host cellular defense systems that function, at least in part, by generating respiration-driven oxidative toxins in response to external stimuli. In both cells, encapsulation by phagocytosis provides a mechanism to direct the toxins against the microbes. The toxic chemicals formed by these two phagocytic cells differ markedly, as do the enzymatic catalysts that generate them. Nitrite ion is microbicidal under certain conditions, is generated by activated macrophages, and is present at elevated concentration levels at infection sites. In this review, we consider potential roles that nitrite might play in cellular disinfection by these phagocytes within the context of available experimental information. Although the suggested roles are plausible, based upon the chemical and biochemical reactivity of NO2(-), studies to date provide little support for their implementation within phagosomes.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2762606PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2009.01.010DOI Listing

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