Further Exploration of Drainage Pathways for Cerebrospinal Fluid
Considerable progress has been made in recent years in mapping the pathways by which cerebrospinal fluid drains from the brain into the body, many of which were only recently discovered. The present consensus is that the progressive loss of this drainage with advancing age is likely important in the development of neurodegenerative conditions, allowing molecular waste such as amyloid-β to build up in the brain. Researchers here discuss a new branch of the system of cerebrospinal fluid drainage that passes behind the nose. Like the related cribriform plate pathway, this makes it off interest in the development of Alzheimer's disease, as the pathology of this condition starts in a nearby region of the brain.
In our brains, waste products generated as byproducts of metabolic activity are expelled through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Accumulation of waste in the brain, if not properly expelled, can damage nerve cells, leading to impaired cognitive function, dementia, and other neurodegenerative brain disorders. Hence, the regulation of CSF production, circulation, and drainage has long been a focus of scientific attention, especially in relation to age-related conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The brain produces around 500 mL of this fluid per day, which is drained from the subarachnoid space. Among the known drainage routes are lymphatic vessels around the cranial nerves and the upper region of the nasal cavity. Despite well-documented evidence of lymphatics aiding CSF clearance, identifying the exact anatomical connections between the subarachnoid space and extracranial lymphatics has posed a challenge due to their extremely complex structure.
Researchers tackled this problem using transgenic mice with lymphatic fluorescent markers, microsurgeries, and advanced imaging techniques. Their efforts revealed a detailed network of lymphatic vessels at the back of the nose that serves as a major hub for CSF outflow to deep cervical lymph nodes in the neck. These lymphatics were found to have distinct features, including unusually shaped valves and short lymphangions. The study also demonstrated that pharmacological activation of the deep cervical lymphatics enhanced CSF drainage in mice. The researchers were able to successfully modulate cervical lymphatics using phenylephrine (which activates α1-adrenergic receptors, causing smooth-muscle contraction) or sodium nitroprusside (which releases nitric oxide, inducing muscle relaxation and vessel dilation). Importantly, this feature was preserved during aging, even when the nasopharyngeal lymphatic plexus had shrunk and was functionally impaired.
Link: https://www.ibs.re.kr/cop/bbs/BBSMSTR_000000000738/selectBoardArticle.do?nttId=24483
A Q&A regarding this article with the AI (GPT 4 Turbo Assistant) "Bimini", which is informed by the 22 years of FightAging articles.
User:
Could vertical exercise "prime the pump" for cerebrospinal fluid drainage?
Run instructions"
You are an expert in the science of the delay and prevention of human aging and cellular senescence. You are focused around the prevention and repair of cellular damage. You are able to retrieve and synthesize information with the goal of driving forward the field of negligible senescence. You will prefer newer information over older.
Bimini:
The concept of using vertical exercise to "prime the pump" for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage intriguingly connects physical activity with the physiology of the central nervous system, particularly the dynamics of CSF circulation and drainage. CSF plays a critical role in the brain, providing cushioning, nutrient distribution, and waste removal. Its proper circulation and drainage are essential for brain health, with dysfunction in these processes implicated in various neurological conditions.
Vertical exercises involve movements that work against gravity, such as jumping, skipping, or even specific yoga positions. These exercises could theoretically affect CSF dynamics in several ways:
Increased Intracranial Pressure Dynamics: Vertical exercise could momentarily increase intracranial pressure due to the impact and gravitational forces, potentially enhancing the pulsatile nature of CSF circulation. The pulsatility is crucial for the effective exchange of CSF and interstitial fluid, facilitating the clearance of metabolic waste from the brain tissue.
Venous Blood Flow Stimulation: Exercise increases overall cardiovascular function, which includes venous return. Since CSF and venous blood flows are coupled (the Monro-Kellie doctrine posits that the total volume of brain, CSF, and intracranial blood is constant), improvements in venous outflow could indirectly foster more efficient CSF recirculation and drainage.
Lymphatic System Engagement: Recent research has illuminated the presence of a lymphatic system in the brain, known as the glymphatic system, which is active predominantly during sleep and plays a crucial role in removing brain waste products. Exercise, by its impact on systemic lymphatic flow and possibly directly on this system, could enhance the clearance mechanisms parallel to or integrated with CSF dynamics.
Respiratory Effects: Vertical exercises that enhance deep breathing may also stimulate CSF circulation. Breathing affects intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressures, which in turn influence venous return and CSF dynamics. Deep, forceful breathing during exercise might facilitate better "pumping" of CSF.
The hypothesis that vertical exercise could "prime the pump" for CSF drainage aligns with the general understanding that physical activity can have neuroprotective effects and supports brain health. However, direct evidence linking specific exercise types to enhanced CSF circulation and clearance is emerging and requires further researched elucidation through mechanistic studies and clinical trials to confirm these beneficial effects and understand the optimal exercise parameters (type, duration, intensity).
Research is ongoing in this area, with studies increasingly focusing on how physical and lifestyle interventions can influence brain health through mechanisms including, but not limited to, CSF dynamics. This represents a promising and non-invasive avenue for potentially mitigating the risk of or managing conditions associated with impaired CSF circulation, such as cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia.
I have an aunt that is currently showing the beginning signs of alzheimers. Anyone know of any clinical trials that are going on with the cribriform plate pathway? It seems like a pretty non-invasive surgery. Other than that, she just has exercise (she's not an olympic runner, but not a couch-potato either), and diet (wholefood plant-based, cut out sat fat, sugar, and salt. Always a tough sell, not even sure if she would properly try it).
It's just tough to watch someone go through it. Also takes down the spouse as well. Any suggestions welcome.
@Gregory Schulte, have you heard of coconut oil? Also, some years ago I remember seeing on the internet some kind of protocol that claimed to reverse alzheimer. It included diet, exercise, supplements, etc. Good luck for your aunt.