Our Current Understanding of the Lymphatics of the Brain and Spinal Cord.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-26-2018
Keywords
CNS lymphatics; Prox1; VEGF-C; VEGFR-3; glymphatic system; meningeal lymphatics
Abstract
The lymphatic system, segregated from the blood vascular system, is an essential anatomical route along which interstitial fluid, solutes, lipids, immune cells, and cellular debris, are conveyed. However, the way these mechanisms operate within the cranial compartment is mostly unknown. Herein, we review current understanding of the meningeal lymphatics, described anatomically over a century ago yet still poorly understood from a functional standpoint. We will delineate the cellular mechanisms by which the meningeal lymphatics are formed and discuss their unique anatomy. Furthermore, this review will discuss the recently-coined "glymphatic system" and the manner by which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) are exchanged and thus drained by the meningeal lymphatic vasculature as a key route for conveying cellular waste, solutes, and immune traffic to the deep cervical lymph nodes. The clinical relevance of the meningeal lymphatics will also be described, as they are relevant to various common defects of the lymphatic system. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Area of Special Interest
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Specialty/Research Institute
Neurosciences
