Rapid lymphatic efflux limits cerebrospinal fluid flow to the brain


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Date

2019-01

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Data

Abstract

The relationships between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain interstitial fluid are still being elucidated. It has been proposed that CSF within the subarachnoid space will enter paravascular spaces along arteries to flush through the parenchyma of the brain. However, CSF also directly exits the subarachnoid space through the cribriform plate and other perineural routes to reach the lymphatic system. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the functional relationship between CSF efflux through lymphatics and the potential influx into the brain by assessment of the distribution of CSF-infused tracers in awake and anesthetized mice. Using near-infrared fluorescence imaging, we showed that tracers quickly exited the subarachnoid space by transport through the lymphatic system to the systemic circulation in awake mice, significantly limiting their spread to the paravascular spaces of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence microscopy through the skull under anesthetized conditions indicated that tracers remained confined to paravascular spaces on the surface of the brain. Immediately after death, a substantial influx of tracers occurred along paravascular spaces extending into the brain parenchyma. We conclude that under normal conditions a rapid CSF turnover through lymphatics precludes significant bulk flow into the brain.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

137 (1)

Pages / Article No.

151 - 165

Publisher

Springer

Event

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Date collected

Date created

Subject

Cerebrospinal fluid; Lymphatic vessel; Paravascular space; Anesthesia

Organisational unit

03683 - Detmar, Michael (emeritus) / Detmar, Michael (emeritus) check_circle

Notes

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