Progress on Brain and Ocular Lymphatic System

Abstract

In recent years, 2 major discoveries have modified the traditional understanding of the brain. First, meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLV) were found in the dural sinus, which may absorb and drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Second, the glymphatic system was discovered, composed of para-arterial CSF influx channel, paravenous interstitial fluid (ISF) efflux channel, and the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in astrocytes connecting the 2 channels. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the lymphatic system of the brain plays a vital role within the circulation of CSF and, therefore, in the removal of metabolites. Therefore, it is involved in the incidence and development of some central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The optic nerve and retina are the extension of the CNS in the orbit. Whether they have a lymphatic system and how they clear the metabolites of the optic nerve and retina are still unclear. Recent studies have found that the ocular lymphatic system has a crucial impact on bounding eye diseases, like disorders of the optic nerve and retina. Therefore, here we review the recent research progress concerning the structure and function of MLV and glymphatic system. We also discuss the biomarkers for identification of lymphatic vessels, the composition of ocular lymphatic systems, and the possible association with diseases.