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Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Vertebral Lymphatic Vasculature and Drainage using iDISCO+ and Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: May 22, 2020
Human and nonhuman primate meninges harbor lymphatic vessels that can be visualized noninvasively by MRI
Martina Absinta1, Seung-Kwon Ha1, Govind Nair1
1Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.
Abstract:
Here, we report the existence of meningeal lymphatic vessels in human and nonhuman primates (common marmoset monkeys) and the feasibility of noninvasively imaging and mapping them in vivo with high-resolution, clinical MRI. On T2-FLAIR and T1-weighted black-blood imaging, lymphatic vessels enhance with gadobutrol, a gadolinium-based contrast agent with high propensity to extravasate across a permeable capillary endothelial barrier, but not with gadofosveset, a blood-pool contrast agent. The topography of these vessels, running alongside dural venous sinuses, recapitulates the meningeal lymphatic system of rodents. In primates, meningeal lymphatics display a typical panel of lymphatic endothelial markers by immunohistochemistry. This discovery holds promise for better understanding the normal physiology of lymphatic drainage from the central nervous system and potential aberrations in neurological diseases.
Insights
Scientists discovered and imaged meningeal lymphatic vessels in humans and primates using MRI. This finding advances understanding of central nervous system lymphatic drainage and neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The central nervous system (CNS) has a unique drainage system.
- Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) are crucial for CNS homeostasis.
- Their presence and function in primates remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the existence of MLVs in human and nonhuman primates.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of noninvasive in vivo imaging of MLVs.
- To characterize the anatomical and molecular features of primate MLVs.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including T2-FLAIR and T1-weighted black-blood imaging.
- Utilized gadobutrol and gadofosveset contrast agents to differentiate MLVs.
- Immunohistochemistry for lymphatic endothelial markers.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the existence and noninvasive imaging of MLVs in humans and common marmoset monkeys.
- MLVs were visualized using gadobutrol, indicating a permeable endothelial barrier.
- Vessel topography alongside dural venous sinuses and positive lymphatic endothelial markers confirmed their identity.
Conclusions:
- Established the presence of functional meningeal lymphatic vessels in primates.
- Noninvasive MRI is a feasible method for in vivo imaging and mapping of primate MLVs.
- This discovery provides a foundation for studying CNS lymphatic drainage and its role in neurological disorders.
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