Morphology of the glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic structures of the bottlenose dolphin.

ABSTRACT: In humans and mice, the glymphatic system, critical for central nervous system (CNS) health, relies on cardiorespiratory coupling, but has not yet been investigated in a diving mammal that routinely experiences apnea, bradycardia, and peripheral vasoconstriction. The glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic systems maintain CNS homeostasis by distributing nutrients and clearing metabolic waste via cerebrospinal fluid. We investigated meningeal lymphatic and glymphatic structures in stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; n = 9) using immunofluorescence microscopy, histochemical staining, and CT angiography. Results demonstrate that the bottlenose dolphin possesses prominent perivascular spaces and aquaporin-4 astroglial water channels required for glymphatic function, as well as mening

SUBMITTER: Keenan TF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12361473 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature