Investigating the Role of the Central Lymphatic System in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

The central lymphatic system comprises the glymphatic system, which is present throughout the brain, and the cerebrospinal fluid drainage route, which includes meningeal lymphatic vessels, cranial nerves, and cervical lymphatic channels. The primary role of this system is to remove metabolic waste products, from the brain tissue and transport them to the deep cervical lymph nodes for disposal. Moreover, the central lymphatic system has a role in controlling immunological responses and pathological processes including neuroinflammation. The central lymphatic system’s impairment and malfunction are pivotal in the development of age-related changes in brain function, malignancies, neurovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroinflammatory diseases. This page provides an overview of the organization, operations, and key determinants of the central lymphatic system. Additionally, it offers a concise summary of the pertinent advancements in research on central nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Furthermore, the essay highlights unsolved issues in this field of study and examines the possible practical uses of this information as a target for clinical therapy.

Keywords

• central lymphatic system
• glymphatic system
• meningeal lymphatic vessels
• neurodegenerative diseases