Forskning

Despite a high level of metabolic activity, the brain does not have a conventional lymphatic system to remove metabolites. The glia-lymphatic (glymphatic) system is a waste removal system that uses the perivascular space of the brain for fluid transport. The glymphatic system is a bulk flow system driven arterial pulsation and results in convective flow in the perivascular spaces. The glymphatic system is most active in the sleep state, where production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is highest and the interstitial space is larger. Solutes as well as peptides such as amyloid beta can be transported in perivascular pathways by the glymphatic system and eliminated to the lymphatic vessels. Accumulation of proteins, such as amyloid beta, is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases and we believe that the control of the glymphatic system could prevent or curb neurodegenerative diseases.