In-vitro production of nitrosamines by bacteria isolated from the operated stomach

Evidence is presented of in-vitro catalysis of nitrosation by organisms isolated from the hypoacidic operated stomach. Subjects taking part in a prospective study of potential premalignancy after benign ulcer surgery underwent endoscopy, and samples of gastric juice were obtained aseptically. The organisms present were identified using the API system and tested for their ability to catalyse the nitrosation of the secondary amine, morpholine, at neutral pH and 37 degrees C. Four of the five species tested were found to be capable of the catalysis. Cellular disruption and denaturation of protein abolished the catalytic ability, suggesting that the catalysis is mediated by an enzymic system. Osmotic shock experiments indicate that the enzyme site may be on the inner membrane.