A polyclonal antibody was used to delineate the pattern of GAP-43 expression in central processes of trigeminal ganglion cells while their peripheral processes were undergoing regeneration. Two weeks after transection of the infraorbital nerve, levels of GAP-43 ipsilateral to the transection were greatly increased along the trajectory of infraorbital axons in the central trigeminal tract and also within the target neuropil. We conclude that elevated levels of GAP-43 in central processes of injured trigeminal ganglion cells occur in direct response to the regenerative response of the cell body and may have important implications for 'plasticity'-related changes seen in the adult trigeminal system.