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Review
. 2009 Apr 15;484(2):190-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2009.01.010.

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

Jonathan L Cape  1 , James K Hurst
Affiliations
Review

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

Jonathan L Cape et al. Arch Biochem Biophys. .

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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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hypothetic pathways for nitrite involvement in microbicidal action of phagocytes. Primary intraphagosomal microbicides are HOCl (for neutrophils) and either ONOO− or peroxidase-generated NO2• (for macrophages). Nitrite could be a precursor to extracellular NO2• in reactions catalyzed by MPO or several other peroxidases and N2O3 from radical combination of NO2• and macrophage-derived NO• or by heme protein catalyzed dehydration.
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