Which organ system is primarily affected by Paraquat?

The organ system that is primarily affected by Paraquat is the pulmonary system. Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that, when inhaled or ingested, causes significant damage to lung tissue. The mechanism of toxicity involves oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage in the lungs, inflammation, and eventually pulmonary fibrosis, which can be fatal.

Exposure to Paraquat often results in acute lung injury, emphasizing its severe impact on pulmonary function. This makes it critical for veterinary professionals to understand the risks associated with this substance, particularly in cases of accidental exposure in animals. The importance of recognizing the pulmonary system's vulnerability to such toxins is essential for effective treatment and management of poisoning cases.

In contrast, while other organ systems like cardiovascular, nervous, and hepatic systems can potentially experience secondary effects due to the stress on the body or metabolic processes, they are not primarily targeted by the toxic effects of Paraquat. The focus is squarely on lung pathology underlining the urgency in addressing respiratory distress in affected cases.