Conclusion
This chapter describes a novel and potentially important mechanism for host defense of epithelial sufaces: the production of reactive nitrogen oxides by the reduction of inorganic nitrate to nitrite and subsequent acidification. In addition, it is clear that enzyme-derived NO from NOS provides antimicrobial oxides of nitrogen at mucosal surfaces in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Whereas it is evident that acidified nitrite can inhibit or kill a variety of human gastrointestinal and cutaneous pathogens in vitro, definitive evidence for a physiological role of this mechanism is currently lacking (Green, 1995). Studies now under way will help to determine whether augmenting this system by increasing dietary nitrate intake can prevent gastroenteritis. Understanding the system of enterosalivary circulation of nitrate and subsequent production of nitrogen oxides may also lead to the development of new antimicrobial strategies by augmenting what appears to be a simple and effective epithelial host defense system.
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Benjamin, N., Dykhuizen, R. (2002). Nitric Oxide and Epithelial Host Defense. In: Fang, F.C. (eds) Nitric Oxide and Infection. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-46816-6_11
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