CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL CYTOCHROME CD(1)-NITRITE REDUCTASE AS ONE ENZYME RESPONSIBLE FOR CATALYSIS OF NITROSATION OF SECONDARY-AMINES

Bacterial formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds may play a rol e in the etiology of human cancer. Biochemical and immunological studi es in denitrifying bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strongly support the identification of cytochrome cd(1)-nitrite reductase as the enzyme responsible for the catalysis of nitrosation through the production o f nitric oxide or NO+-like species. Interestingly, electron paramagnet ic resonance studies have shown that large quantities of nitric oxide or NO+ -like species were also produced by non-denitrifying enterobact eria (Escherichia coli, Proteus morganii).