Open AccessGadolinium enhancement of cranial nerves: Implications for interstitial fluid drainage from brainstem into cranial nerves in humans
Author(s) -
Aravinthan Varatharaj,
Roxana O. Carare,
Roy O. Weller,
M. L. Gawne-Cain,
Ian Galea
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2106331118
Subject(s) - brainstem , cranial nerves , parenchyma , anatomy , trigeminal nerve , gadolinium , interstitial fluid , medicine , glymphatic system , extracellular fluid , pathology , cerebrospinal fluid , extracellular , chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Drainage of interstitial fluid and solutes from the brainstem has not been well studied. To map one drainage pathway in the human brainstem, we took advantage of the focal blood-brain barrier disruption occurring in a multiple sclerosis brainstem lesion, coupled with intravenous injection of gadolinium, which simulates an intraparenchymal injection of gadolinium tracer within the restricted confines of this small brain region. Using high-resolution MRI, we show how it is possible for interstitial fluid to drain into the adjacent trigeminal and oculomotor nerves, in keeping with a pathway of communication between the extracellular spaces of the brainstem and cranial nerve parenchyma.