Which physiologic effect is produced by anticholinergic agents such as atropine?

Which physiologic effect is produced by anticholinergic agents such as atropine?

• A. Increase parasympathetic activity
• B. Suppress sympathetic response
• C. Suppress parasympathetic response
• D. Block dopamine receptors

Answer: (C)

Anticholinergic drugs block acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, reducing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. Parasympathetic influence normally slows the heart, stimulates secretions, constricts bronchi, and constricts pupils. By blocking these actions, atropine suppresses parasympathetic responses, leading to effects like increased heart rate, reduced secretions, bronchodilation, and pupil dilation. They do not increase parasympathetic activity; they do not directly suppress sympathetic activity; and they do not block dopamine receptors.

Anticholinergic drugs block acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, reducing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. Parasympathetic influence normally slows the heart, stimulates secretions, constricts bronchi, and constricts pupils. By blocking these actions, atropine suppresses parasympathetic responses, leading to effects like increased heart rate, reduced secretions, bronchodilation, and pupil dilation. They do not increase parasympathetic activity; they do not directly suppress sympathetic activity; and they do not block dopamine receptors.