Which of the following is a potential effect of atropine on the body temperature?

Atropine, an anticholinergic agent, can lead to an increased body temperature. This occurs due to its ability to block the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, which can inhibit the body's ability to thermoregulate effectively. When these receptors are blocked, the normal responses that help to cool down the body, such as sweating and salivation, are diminished. Consequently, the body's heat dissipation is compromised, leading to an increase in core temperature, especially during situations where metabolic heat is elevated, such as fever or exercise.

The effect of atropine on body temperature is particularly significant in clinical settings, especially in the management of certain conditions where regulation of body temperature is crucial. For example, in environments where patients might be exposed to heat, the impairment of sweating due to anticholinergic effects can pose significant risks. Understanding this mechanism helps in recognizing how atropine can influence physiological responses related to temperature regulation.