Final answer:
Atropine inhibits the parasympathetic effects by antagonizing muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which leads to the management of symptoms of nerve agent poisoning, with the cessation of bronchial secretions as a treatment endpoint. Pilocarpine, a muscarinic agonist, is the antidote for atropine poisoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atropine exerts its anti-parasympathetic effect by acting as an antagonist to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This action blocks the effects of excess acetylcholine induced by nerve agents, which would otherwise continue to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to detrimental effects. Atropine is recognized for its role in managing nerve agent poisoning by counteracting the overactivation of acetylcholine, leading to a cessation of extreme parasympathetic stimulation, such as excessive bronchial secretions. Its administration's endpoint is the clearing of these secretions. For instances of atropine poisoning, the antidote is a muscarinic agonist called pilocarpine, which will oppose the blocking action of atropine on muscarinic receptors.