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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Recent advances in understanding the lymphatic and glymphatic systems of the brain

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This review summarises current knowledge on the lymphatic system of the brain. It has long been believed that the central nervous system is characterised by the lack of a lymphatic system and that the role of the lymphatic system is played by cerebrospinal fluid. Recently, research has shown that not only is the brain equipped with its own unique lymphatic system, but also that this system consists of two anatomically and functionally distinct parts. One part of this system is a classic lymphatic system, i.e. the structure composed of genuine lymphatic vessels. The other, so-called glymphatic system, is primarily built by astrocytes. The newly discovered lymphatic system of the brain is likely to play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of many neuroimmune and neurodegenerative disorders, such as: multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.