The comparative distribution of nine peptides was examined in the L4 segment of the rat cord using the peroxidase antiperoxidase technique. The peptides examined were substance P, neurotensin, cholecystokinin, methionine-enkephalin, oxytocin, neurophysin, adrenocorticotrophin, thyrotropin releasing hormone, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. No transport blocking agents were used and in spite of this cell bodies containing substance P, neurotensin, cholecystokinin, and methionine-enkephalin were observed. All peptides except for thyrotropin releasing hormone were observed in fibers in laminae I and II. All peptides were present in the area around the central canal, lamina X. Each peptide had its own characteristic distribution within fibers in the gray and white matter.