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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Vertebral Lymphatic Vasculature and Drainage using iDISCO+ and Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy
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Age-related changes in meningeal lymphatic function are closely associated with vascular endothelial growth factor-C

Qi Liu1, Cheng Wu2, Qian Ding2

  • 1School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, No. 106 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510080, China.

Brain Research
|March 22, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Middle-aged mice show improved meningeal lymphatic vessel (MLV) function and brain health. Targeting brain vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) may prevent age-related decline in brain lymphatic drainage.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) are vital for clearing brain waste.
  • Aging impairs MLV function, complicating treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Early detection of MLV changes during aging is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate MLV structure and function across different age groups in mice.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for age-related decline in brain lymphatic drainage.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed MLV structure and function in young, middle-aged, and aged mice.
  • Evaluated cognitive performance using the Y maze test.
  • Correlated MLV function with vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression in the brain cortex.

Main Results:

  • Middle-aged mice exhibited enhanced MLV function and MLV expansion compared to young and aged mice.
  • Middle-aged mice performed better on the Y maze test.
  • Age-related MLV dysfunction correlated with VEGF-C expression levels in the brain cortex.

Conclusions:

  • MLV function and structure change dynamically during aging.
  • VEGF-C in the cerebral cortex is linked to meningeal lymphatic function.
  • VEGF-C supplementation in the brain cortex could be a strategy to improve MLV function and prevent CNS diseases.
Keywords:
AgingCerebrospinal fluidInterstitial fluidMeningeal lymphatic systemVascular endothelial growth factor-C

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