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

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.