Final answer:
Pilocarpine reduces intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma by activating muscarinic cholinoceptors, not by acting on nicotinic receptors, nor by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase or blocking muscarinic receptors. It works by mimicking acetylcholine's action, contracting the ciliary muscle which aids in draining aqueous humor from the eye.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pilocarpine reduces intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma because it activates muscarinic cholinoceptors. Pilocarpine is a muscarinic agonist that mimics the effect of acetylcholine released by the parasympathetic postganglionic fiber. Its action results in the constriction of the pupil through the smooth muscle of the iris and contraction of the ciliary muscle. This action opens perforations at the base of the cornea, enhancing the drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior compartment of the eye, which lowers intraocular pressure.
The correct answer to the question is (A) Activates nicotinic cholinoceptors, which is incorrect as pilocarpine in fact does not act on nicotinic receptors but rather on muscarinic receptors related to the parasympathetic system. Pilocarpine is not (B) Blocks muscarinic cholinoceptor, since it is an agonist, not an antagonist. It does not (C) Selectively inhibit the peripheral activity of sympathetic ganglia, as its action is focused through the parasympathetic system affecting the eye muscles. Also, pilocarpine does not (D) Inhibit acetylcholinesterase; rather it acts similarly to acetylcholine itself.