Enkephalinase (EC 3.4.24.11) is highly localized to a striatonigral pathway in rat brain.

Autoradiographic visualization of enkephalinase (membrane metalloendopeptidase, EC 3.4.24.11) in sagittal sections of rat brain using a 125I-labelled monoclonal antibody showed the presence of a dense immunoreactivity in a tract joining the striatum to the substantia nigra. Unilateral kainate injections into the striatum elicited a strong ipsilateral decrease in enkephalinase activity and immunoreactivity in both the injected area and substantia nigra, particularly its pars compacta. This demonstrates the presence of enkephalinase all along fibers of a striatonigral pathway.