Library · Physiology
Glymphatic system
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The glymphatic system is a brain clearance system that was described relatively recently. It works through a network of perivascular channels: passageways that run alongside the blood vessels, formed by astroglial cells, a type of support cell in the brain. Through them it moves soluble proteins and metabolites, the leftovers of the cells' own work, out of the central nervous system.
The review that describes it makes two further points. First, that besides taking out the trash it may also help distribute useful compounds such as glucose, lipids, amino acids and neurotransmitters throughout the brain. Second, that it works mainly while you sleep and is largely shut down while you are awake. It is worth taking it for what it is: a recent model still under study, not a settled fact.
In brief
The glymphatic system is a recently described macroscopic clearance system that uses perivascular channels formed by astroglial cells to remove soluble proteins and metabolites from the central nervous system.
Channels running alongside the brain's blood vessels, flushing out what is left over.
According to this review, besides clearing waste it may also help distribute useful compounds throughout the brain, such as glucose, lipids, amino acids and neurotransmitters.
The review describes it as working mainly during sleep and as largely switched off during wakefulness.
Sources (1)
- Neurochemical Research, via PubMed Central, U.S. National Library of MedicineThe Glymphatic System – A Beginner's Guide
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated