Cell injury and death · USMLE Step 1

A patient exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) develops hepatocyte swelling. What mechanism explains this?

  1. CCl3 free radical formation
  2. Cytosolic calcium overload
  3. Nuclear DNA fragmentation
  4. Lysosomal membrane rupture
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Correct answer: CCl3 free radical formation

CCl4 is metabolized into CCl3 free radicals, causing membrane damage and cell swelling.

Difficulty: Medium Question 18 of 20

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