Furthermore, our data show that BDNF increased neuronal excitability in Dil-labeled IB4-negative medium-sized muscle afferent DRG neurons in sham rats whereas anti-BDNF treatment attenuated the enhanced neuronal excitability in the same DRG subpopulation in CHF rats, indicating that increased BDNF might contribute to increased muscle mechano-sensitive afferent neuronal excitability in CHF. The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is congestive heart failure.