A novel histochemical method for the visualization of thrombin activity in the nervous system

•We have developed a new histochemical method for visualizing the location of thrombin activity in the nervous system.•The topographic distribution of thrombin activity in mouse brain following ischemic stroke is demonstrated.•The distribution of thrombin activity is in good correlation with the infarct areas.•Focal areas of highly elevated thrombin activity are detected in teased sciatic fibers following crush injury.