Leucine enkephalin: localization in and axoplasmic transport by sacral parasympathetic preganglionic neurons.

Nerve processes and cell bodies containing leucine enkephalin were demonstrated in the sacral autonomic nucleus of the cat by immunocytochemical methods. Enkephalinergic preganglionic perikarya were seen only when axonal transport was blocked either by colchicine or by ventral root ligation. Ligation of the sacral ventral roots also produced damming of enkephalin immunoreactivity proximal to the S2 ligature. These data indicate that parasympathetic preganglionic neurons synthesize and transport enkephalin or enkephalin-like immunoreactive compounds to the periphery.