The regulated release of an antimicrobial peptide from a cell or a tissue. Such peptides may have protective properties against bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa. [ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15638771 https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A0781735149 GOC:add http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11807545 ]