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Child's Nervous System

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01-02-2005 | Invited Paper

Ultrastructure of the cerebrospinal fluid outflow along the optic nerve into the lymphatic system

Authors: Wolf Lüdemann, Dirk Berens von Rautenfeld, Madjid Samii, Thomas Brinker

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 2/2005

Abstract

Object

To explain the spontaneous CSF outflow into the orbit, the ultrastructure of the perineural meningeal layers at the distal and the proximal portions of the optic nerve were compared.

Methods

Ten cats were perfusion fixated and the orbital content removed for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. In five animals a 60-min cisternal infusion of contrast medium at low intracranial pressure was performed before perfusion fixation.

Results

In the contrast-infused animals it was possible to demonstrate the leakage of contrast medium in the distal portion of the optic nerve sheath (ONS) from the subarachnoid space (SAS) into the orbit and find it in the conjunctival lymphatics. Electron microscopy revealed that in the distal portion of the ONS the neurothelial layers are significantly thinner, some consisting of only one layer. Pore-like openings in the neurothelial covering are seen in the distal portion. Excavations of the SAS are far more numerous in the distal portion of the ONS. The excavations reach the neurothelial layer. Intracellular and extracellular filaments are more numerous in the distal portion of the ONS. There is no significant difference in the dura mater between the distal and proximal ONS. The results show the existence of an arachnoid window area in the distal portion of the ONS. It is characterised by a continuous, but thinned neurothelial barrier layer, with few pore-like openings.

Conclusions

The main differences between distal and proximal ONS are a thinned neurothelial barrier layer and an increased number of intercellular filaments and pore-like openings. The findings explain the lymphatic CSF outflow pathway along the optic nerve.

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Title: Ultrastructure of the cerebrospinal fluid outflow along the optic nerve into the lymphatic system
Authors: Wolf Lüdemann
Dirk Berens von Rautenfeld
Madjid Samii
Thomas Brinker
Publication date: 01-02-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 2/2005
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-004-1040-1

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Springer Medicine

Ultrastructure of the cerebrospinal fluid outflow along the optic nerve into the lymphatic system

Abstract

Object

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Object

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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