Which metal accumulates in Wilson's disease due to defective export into bile?

Prepare for the Manor Preboards Test with module 4 quiz. Utilize flashcards and interactive questions, each designed with helpful explanations. Get ready for your success!

Multiple Choice

Which metal accumulates in Wilson's disease due to defective export into bile?

Explanation:
Copper accumulates in Wilson's disease because the ATP7B transporter that normally exports copper into bile for excretion (and loads copper onto ceruloplasmin) is defective. Without proper export into bile, copper builds up in liver cells first and then spreads to other organs, causing the characteristic hepatic and neuropsychiatric features and even corneal Kayser-Fleischer rings. The other metals listed—silver, lead, and aluminum—are not tied to this biliary export defect and do not explain Wilson's disease, which centers on copper metabolism.

Copper accumulates in Wilson's disease because the ATP7B transporter that normally exports copper into bile for excretion (and loads copper onto ceruloplasmin) is defective. Without proper export into bile, copper builds up in liver cells first and then spreads to other organs, causing the characteristic hepatic and neuropsychiatric features and even corneal Kayser-Fleischer rings. The other metals listed—silver, lead, and aluminum—are not tied to this biliary export defect and do not explain Wilson's disease, which centers on copper metabolism.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy