What is the result of excessive cholinergic stimulation?

Excessive cholinergic stimulation leads to a cholinergic crisis, which is characterized by an overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system due to an accumulation of acetylcholine. This condition can occur from the use of certain drugs (like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) or from exposure to agents that increase cholinergic activity.

A cholinergic crisis manifests with a variety of symptoms, including excessive salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, emesis, and muscular twitching, ultimately potentially leading to paralysis and respiratory failure due to diaphragm paralysis.

The other choices reflect outcomes that do not correlate with excessive cholinergic stimulation; for example, increased heart rate and decreased saliva production typically represent sympathetic activation or decreased cholinergic influence. Muscle relaxation is also inconsistent with cholinergic excess, as this would more likely lead to muscle twitching or spasm rather than relaxation. Thus, cholinergic crisis captures the drastic effects of excessive stimulation on the body.