Intramuscular injection of atropine causes initial bradycardia. The reason for this effect being seen is:
Atropine is a non-selective antagonist of M1, M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors. M2 cholinergic receptors are responsible for bradycardia and blockade of these receptors can result in tachycardia. Atropine initially acts on presynaptic M1 receptors (normally decrease the release of ACh) and result in greater release of ACh which is responsible for bradycardia. Later on, blockade of M2 receptors will lead to tachycardia.
Stimulation of medullary vagal centre
Stimulation of vagal ganglia
Blockade of M2 receptors of SA nodal cells
Blockade of muscarinic autoreceptor on vagal nerve endings
ANS