Wood P A
Vet Hum Toxicol. 1980 Feb;22(1):26-7.
The controversial situation of chronic low level nitrate intoxication may involve oxidation of important iron-containing enzymes, much like oxidation of hemoglobin (Fe++) iron to methomoglobin (Fe+++). This oxication causes enzyme inhibition and unlike hemoglobin, which has the methemoglobin reduction system, these enzymes remain in the oxidized state, resulting in the clinical signs and conditions described. This condition may be diagnosed more accurately by measuring erythrocyte catalase activity in addition to blood or dietary levels of nitrate.
慢性低水平硝酸盐中毒这一颇具争议的情况可能涉及重要含铁酶的氧化，这很类似于血红蛋白（Fe++）中的铁被氧化为高铁血红蛋白（Fe+++）。这种氧化导致酶抑制，而且与具有高铁血红蛋白还原系统的血红蛋白不同，这些酶会一直处于氧化状态，从而产生所述的临床症状和病症。除了检测血液或饮食中的硝酸盐水平外，通过测量红细胞过氧化氢酶活性，可能会更准确地诊断这种病症。
