Data show that BDNF significantly (one-way ANOVA; *P > 0.05; n = 50 cells from 6 animals) rescues the aging-associated increase in the IAS SMC length in the basal state, to the levels not significantly different from the control values in young group (P > 0.05). The effect of BDNF was reversed by K252a (B + K). BDNF, brain-derived neurotropic factor; IAS, internal anal sphincter; K252a, TrkB inhibitor; SMC, smooth muscle cell.