Re-innervation patterns by peptidergic Substance-P, non-peptidergic P2X3, and myelinated NF-200 nerve fibers in epidermis and dermis of rats with neuropathic pain

► Spared nerve injury was used to induce denervation of part of the rat hind paw. ► Outgrowth of uninjured Substance P, P2X3 and NF-200 fibers was studied. ► P2X3 and Substance P fibers cause only partial re-innervation of denervated skin. ► A complete re-innervation is found by uninjured NF-200 fibers in the skin. ► Results were also compared with earlier obtained changes of CGRP containing fibers.