Brain-derived neurotrophic factor immunoreactive vagal sensory neurons innervating the gastrointestinal tract of the rat.

•BDNF-containing neurons are located throughout the jugular and nodose ganglia.•The cervical esophagus is innervated by both the jugular and nodose ganglia.•The abdominal gastrointestinal tract is innervated mostly by the nodose ganglion.•Most vagal sensory neurons innervating the gastrointestinal tract contain BDNF.