Research Evidence of the Role of the Glymphatic System and Its Potential Pharmacological Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The glymphatic system is a unique pathway that utilises end-feet Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) channels within perivascular astrocytes, which is believed to cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflow into perivascular space (PVS), providing nutrients and waste disposal of the brain parenchyma. It is theorised that the bulk flow of CSF within the PVS removes waste products, soluble proteins, and products of metabolic activity, such as amyloid-β (Aβ). In the experimental model, the glymphatic system is selectively active during slow-wave sleep, and its activity is affected by both sleep dysfunction and deprivation.