In this study we have investigated the expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and its endogenous ligand octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) in the sciatic nerve of the adult rat by immunohistochemistry. We have also determined the effect of nerve freezing lesion or chronic denervation on PBR and ODN expression. In the sciatic nerve of control rats PBR- and ODN-immunoreactivities (IR) were associated to Schwann cells. Ten days after nerve injury, PBR- and ODN-IR increased significantly in the distal stump. PBR-IR was associated to Schwann cells and macrophages, whereas ODN-IR was only detected in Schwann cells. Immunoreactivities returned to normal levels when axons were allowed to regenerate for 2 months after nerve freezing-injury. Under chronic denervation conditions, PBR- and ODN-IR remained elevated in the distal stump, at least for this period of time. These results suggest that PBR and ODN are regulated by signals from regenerating axons and that PBR and its endogenous ligand may play a role in peripheral nerve regeneration.