Imaging the effect of the circadian light-dark cycle on the glymphatic system in awake rats.

ABSTRACT: The glymphatic system functions in the removal of potentially harmful metabolites and proteins from the brain. Dynamic, contrast-enhanced MRI was used in fully awake rats to follow the redistribution of intraventricular contrast agent entrained to the light-dark cycle and its hypothetical relationship to the sleep-waking cycle, blood flow, and brain temperature in specific brain areas. Brain areas involved in circadian timing and sleep-wake rhythms showed the lowest redistribution of contrast agent during the light phase or time of inactivity and sleep in rats. Global brain redistribution of contrast agent was heterogeneous. The redistribution was highest along the dorsal cerebrum and lowest in the midbrain/pons and along the ventral surface of the brain. This heterogeneous redistribution

SUBMITTER: Cai X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6955326 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature