Changes in Manganese Content in Lactobacillus plantarum During Inhibition with Sodium Nitrite

Abstract

Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC e8014 and L. plantarum (MC) were sensitive to NO₂⁻ under anaerobic conditions. This sensitivity was linked to an increase in cell-associated manganese levels. Normal manganese levels under aerobic conditions in the presence of NO₂⁻ were 1 × 10⁷ atoms/cell. Under anaerobic conditions with NO₂⁻, these levels increased to 3 × 10⁸ to 2 × 10⁹ atoms/cell depending on the sensitivity of lactobacilli to NO₂⁻. This study suggests that in trace metal metabolism, NO₂⁻ may stimulate uptake or transport of ions such as manganese.