The Glymphatic System：a New Exploration of Pathological Mechanism in Stroke

The glymphatic system is a system that promotes the exchange and flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) -interstitial fluid (ISF) to maintain the balance of CSF-ISF, and rid the neuropil of toxic proteinaceous metabolites with astroglial water channel aquaporin-4 as the mediator. Increasing evidence has shown that the glymphatic system is strongly related to the pathological changes and outcomes of stroke. Available studies have found that the glymphatic system partially affects post-stroke cerebrospinal fluid circulation and cerebral edema. Different types of strokes include acute ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage also have pathological changes in the glymphatic system. This review summarizes the structure and function of the glymphatic system, and the latest developments in its impact on pathological changes of different types of strokes, providing a new direction for the prevention and treatment of stroke.