Research progress of central nervous system lymphatic circulation and related diseases

Abstract

In this paper, we have reviewed the central nervous system (CNS) lymphatic circulation and related diseases. The lymphatic system is an important component of circulatory system. However, classic lymphatic vessels consisted of endotheliocytes are not found within CNS. Indeed, the central lymphatic circulation exists. Virchow-Robin space (VRS) is regarded as main component of the central lymphatic circulation, which resembles peripheral lymphatic system functionally and plays an important role in the regulation of CNS homeostasis. VRS plays the function of central lymphatic drainage, through which the macromolecular substances in cerebral interstitial fluid are cleared. Also, VRS is the main part of immune surveillance system. The central lymphatic circulation works crucially in the development of related diseases within CNS, such as lymphostatic encephalopathy, demyelinating diseases, CNS neoplasms, CNS infections, protein conformational diseases, etc.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2015.06.014