Muscarinic effects on glands and the eye

THE CONTEXT

Acetylcholine produces glandular secretion and ocular muscle contraction through its muscarinic actions.

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Secretion from parasympathetically innervated glands increases through M3 and some M2 receptors.

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The secretory effects include sweating, salivation, lacrimation, and increased tracheobronchial and gastric secretion.

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Effects on pancreatic and intestinal glands are not marked. Milk and bile secretion are unaffected.

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Contraction of the circular muscle of the iris produces miosis.

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Ciliary muscle contraction produces spasm of accommodation and increases aqueous outflow facility.

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Intraocular tension decreases, especially in glaucomatous patients.

NEETx

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