Which organ is primarily damaged in acetaminophen toxicity in cats?

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Multiple Choice

Which organ is primarily damaged in acetaminophen toxicity in cats?

Explanation:
Acetaminophen toxicity primarily injures the liver because its harmful metabolite is formed mainly in the liver during normal metabolism. In cats, a larger portion of the drug is processed by hepatic enzymes into NAPQI, a highly reactive compound. Cats have limited glutathione stores and detoxification capacity, so glutathione becomes overwhelmed and NAPQI binds to liver cell proteins, causing hepatocellular injury and centrilobular necrosis. While oxidative stress can also lead to methemoglobinemia, the most characteristic and damaging effect is liver injury. Therefore, the organ most affected is the liver.

Acetaminophen toxicity primarily injures the liver because its harmful metabolite is formed mainly in the liver during normal metabolism. In cats, a larger portion of the drug is processed by hepatic enzymes into NAPQI, a highly reactive compound. Cats have limited glutathione stores and detoxification capacity, so glutathione becomes overwhelmed and NAPQI binds to liver cell proteins, causing hepatocellular injury and centrilobular necrosis. While oxidative stress can also lead to methemoglobinemia, the most characteristic and damaging effect is liver injury. Therefore, the organ most affected is the liver.

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