The glymphatic system is a waste clearance pathway in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates, functioning similarly to the lymphatic system but within the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows into the paravascular space around cerebral arteries, mixes with interstitial fluid (ISF), and removes waste products like lactic acid, proteins (such as amyloid-beta and tau), and potassium from the brain parenchyma. This очищения process is most active during sleep, facilitated by the expansion and contraction of extracellular space, and is driven by arterial pulsations and pressure gradients. The glymphatic system's name, coined by neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard, acknowledges its reliance on glial cells.
This system clears harmful waste to maintain brain health, and also transports substances like lipids and glucose. Disruptions to the glymphatic system have been linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other conditions. Research indicates that the glymphatic system may be impaired by factors such as subarachnoid hemorrhage and high blood pressure. Supporting the glymphatic system through adequate sleep is crucial for efficient waste removal and overall brain function.
