Atropine Test

Atropine Test: Diagnostic Method for Assessing the Function of Organs and Systems

In medical practice, there is a wide range of methods for diagnosing dysfunctions of various organs and systems. One of these methods is the atropine test, which is based on studying the body’s response to parenteral administration of atropine. Atropine is an antagonist of m-cholinergic receptors, and its administration makes it possible to assess the activity of organs and systems whose activity is regulated through these receptors.

The atropine test is widely used to study organs and systems, such as the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems, as well as to assess the function of the endocrine glands. The method is based on the fact that atropine blocks m-cholinergic receptors, interfering with the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system.

When conducting an atropine test, the patient is injected with atropine subcutaneously or intramuscularly, after which his reaction to the drug is monitored. The magnitude and nature of the reaction may indicate the presence or absence of disturbances in the functions of the relevant organs and systems.

For example, when examining the cardiovascular system, an atropine test allows you to assess the tone of the vagal nerve, which controls heart rhythm. Typically, atropine causes an increase in heart rate because it blocks the effect of vagal tone on the heart. If, upon administration of atropine, there is no increase in heart rate, this may indicate a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system or defects in the conduction system of the heart.

The atropine test is also used to study the digestive system. Atropine can reduce the secretion of gastric juice and reduce the motility of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, if during an atropine test there is an insufficient decrease in the secretion of gastric juice or changes in motor activity, this may indicate disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system.

Another example of the use of the atropine test is to assess the function of the respiratory system. Atropine blocks the parasympathetic innervation of the respiratory tract, which leads to dilation of the bronchi and an increase in breathing volumes. If the atropine test shows insufficient dilatation of the bronchi or changes in breathing volumes, this may indicate disturbances in the function of the respiratory system.

The atropine test is also used to assess the function of endocrine glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. Atropine blocks the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system on these glands, which can cause changes in hormone levels. An atropine test can identify possible dysfunctions of these glands and help in making a diagnosis.

It is important to note that the atropine test should be performed under the supervision of experienced medical personnel, as atropine is a powerful drug and can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, increased body temperature and abnormal heart rhythms. In addition, contraindications for the atropine test are glaucoma, heart pathologies, arterial hypertension and some other conditions.

In conclusion, the atropine test is one of the diagnostic methods that allows one to assess the function of various organs and systems of the body regulated through m-cholinergic receptors. This method is widely used in clinical practice to identify disorders in the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory systems and endocrine glands. However, you must be aware of possible side effects and use this test only under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.

Atropine test is a general name for diagnostic methods that help detect dysfunction of an organ based on its response to the administration of an antagonist of cholinoreactor structures, in this case the atractyloid - atropine succinate. Such methods are used precisely in those organs and systems whose functioning is regulated through interaction with cholinobiotic structures. The test finds its application