We determined the influence of spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathy on the discharge properties of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in the rat. Single unit recordings of LC neurons were performed under pentobarbitone anesthesia in neuropathic rats with a behaviorally verified tactile hypersensitivity and in sham-operated controls. Spontaneous discharge rate and the response to tail pinch, noxious heating of the hind paw or colorectal distension were in the same range in the LC neurons of neuropathic and control animals. Microinjection of glutamate into the central nucleus of the amygdala produced a brief increase in activity of LC neurons which was of equal magnitude in neuropathic and sham-operated animals. The results suggest that a peripheral neuropathy is not associated with a change in spontaneous discharge rate of LC neurons or their response to peripheral or central stimulation.