Figure 2.

These data show that BDNF augments concentration-response curves for U46619 (A) and ANG II (B) in both age groups as shown by the significant leftward shifts in the GPCR-mediated (t test; *P < 0.05; n = 10 observations from 6 animals). In contrast, BDNF has no significant effect on the KCl-induced IAS contractility (C) (one-way ANOVA; P > 0.05). Data show that BDNF rescues the aging-associated decrease in the IAS contractility to the levels not significantly different from the young group (t test; P > 0.05; n = 10 observations from 6 animals). These effects of BDNF were blocked by K252a (100 nM). ANG II, angiotensin II; BDNF, brain-derived neurotropic factor; GPCR, G protein-coupled receptors; IAS, internal anal sphincter; KCl, potassium chloride; K252a, TrkB inhibitor; U46619, thromboxane A₂ analog.