Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to share that our article,
Morphology of the glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic structures of the bottlenose dolphin, has just been published in
Scientific Reports. The paper is open access and available here:
https://rdcu.be/eBdGJ
This stranding-based project represents the contributions of many collaborators, both in the field and in the lab, and was made possible through funding support from the Office of Naval Research (Under Sea Medicine and Marine Mammal Branches) and the NOAA Prescott
Grant Program.
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 meningeal lymphatic vessels in close anatomic proximity to dural venous sinuses, required for a functional meningeal lymphatic system. Notably, we also identified arachnoid granulations involved in cerebrospinal fluid resorption,
marking the first such observation in this species. This study provides evidence of both glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic systems in the most well-studied cetacean, the bottlenose dolphin.
Kindest regards,
Tiffany