Describe the effect of cholinergic agents on blood pressure.

Describe the effect of cholinergic agents on blood pressure.

• A. They typically raise blood pressure
• B. They have no effect on blood pressure
• C. They lower blood pressure
• D. They cause sudden spikes in blood pressure

Answer: (C)

Cholinergic agents primarily work by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest-and-digest functions. When these agents stimulate muscarinic receptors, they tend to cause vasodilation, which leads to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance. This decrease in resistance is a significant factor that contributes to lower blood pressure. Additionally, cholinergic agents can also enhance the release of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator. This mechanism further supports the overall effect of lowering blood pressure. The activation of these receptors often leads to decreased heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and a reduction in force of contraction (negative inotropic effect), which collectively can contribute to a decrease in cardiac output and further decrease blood pressure. Thus, the consistent outcome of cholinergic agent administration is a lowering of blood pressure, making this option the correct answer.

Cholinergic agents primarily work by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest-and-digest functions. When these agents stimulate muscarinic receptors, they tend to cause vasodilation, which leads to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance. This decrease in resistance is a significant factor that contributes to lower blood pressure.

Additionally, cholinergic agents can also enhance the release of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator. This mechanism further supports the overall effect of lowering blood pressure. The activation of these receptors often leads to decreased heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and a reduction in force of contraction (negative inotropic effect), which collectively can contribute to a decrease in cardiac output and further decrease blood pressure.

Thus, the consistent outcome of cholinergic agent administration is a lowering of blood pressure, making this option the correct answer.