The use of anterogradely transported wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate to visualize cutaneous sensory nerve endings.

Small amounts of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate were injected into the L5 spinal ganglion of adult rats. The conjugate was transported peripherally by the sensory neurons to their cutaneous receptors in the hind paw. Nerve plexa in the skin were heavily labeled, and different types of nerve endings could be clearly distinguished. This method gives new possibilities to study peripheral fibers and nerve endings originating in single sensory ganglia.