A dural lymphatic vascular system that drains brain interstitial fluid and macromolecules

The central nervous system (CNS) is considered an organ devoid of lymphatic vasculature. Yet, part of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drains into the cervical lymph nodes (LNs). The mechanism of CSF entry into the LNs has been unclear. Here we report the surprising finding of a lymphatic vessel network in the dura mater of the mouse brain. We show that dural lymphatic vessels absorb CSF from the adjacent subarachnoid space and brain interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system. Dural lymphatic vessels transport fluid into deep cervical LNs (dcLNs) via foramina at the base of the skull. In a transgenic mouse model expressing a VEGF-C/D trap and displaying complete aplasia of the dural lymphatic vessels,…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• HY
  Helsingin Yliopisto
• SN
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung

  Awards: 310030B_147087, 222278
• AO
  Academy of Finland
• NF
  Norges Forskningsråd

  Award: 222278
• FP
  FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions

  Award: 2012-ITN