Final answer:
Ganglionic blockers reduce blood pressure by inhibiting nerve impulses in autonomic ganglia, specifically through blockade of nicotinic receptors, which are part of the muscarinic receptor system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ganglionic blockers are a type of medication used to reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses through autonomic ganglia. These nerve clusters, which relay impulses between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons, are critical in the regulation of blood pressure.
Ganglionic blockers work by blocking nicotinic receptors, which are the neurotransmitter receptors found on the postganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Therefore, among the options provided, ganglionic blockers reduce blood pressure through: b) Blockade of muscarinic receptors.
Sympatholytic drugs, including ganglionic blockers, suppress sympathetic activity, which often leads to a decrease in blood pressure. This is in contrast to sympathomimetic drugs that mimic the action of sympathetic stimulation, typically increasing blood pressure. Blockade of muscarinic receptors results in a reduction of sympathetic output and consequently, lowers blood pressure.