The Journal of comparative neurology
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Light microscopic studies have demonstrated important differences in the distribution of enkephalin and dynorphin cells and terminals in the dorsal horn. Most importantly, dynorphin neurons are located in regions almost exclusively associated with the transmission and/or control of nociceptive messages (laminae I, IIo, and V); enkephalin neurons, although located in the same regions, are also found in areas involved in the transmission of nonnociceptive messages, e.g., laminae IIi and III. To determine whether there are also differences in the synaptic organization of the two opioid peptides, we have examined the distribution of dynorphin B immunoreactivity at the ultrastructural level. ⋯ Thus, it is unlikely that dynorphin terminals provide a significant presynaptic input to primary afferent fibers. On the other hand, the presence of a primary afferent input to dynorphin cell bodies and dendrites in the superficial dorsal horn suggests that dynorphin cells receive a direct input from small-diameter, nociceptive primary afferents. That connection might contribute to the increased levels of dynorphin message and peptide that have been reported in rats experiencing a chronic inflammatory condition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)