Fig. 2: Glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatic system. | Communications Biology

Fig. 2: Glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatic system.

From: Glymphatic and lymphatic communication with systemic responses during physiological and pathological conditions in the central nervous system

Fig. 2

The glymphatic system drains CSF into the brain via a periarterial pathway, while interstitial fluid (ISF) leaves the brain through the perivenous pathway. CSF, containing macromolecules and immune cells, can flow from the brain parenchyma through the dura meningeal lymphatics into the lymph nodes and extracranial systemic circulation. In some pathological conditions 1 Altered expression of polarized AQP4 prevents CSF/ISF exchange by reducing the interstitial space volume, reducing the waste clearance 2 The meningeal lymphatic vessels transport CSF, containing solutes coming from the brain (such as VEGFC, oligomeric α-syn, β-amyloid) into the cervical lymph nodes, activating inflammatory response.

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