Dual role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C in post-stroke recovery.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), antigens, and antigen-presenting cells drain from the central nervous system (CNS) into lymphatic vessels near the cribriform plate and dura, yet the role of these vessels during stroke is unclear. Using a mouse model of ischemic stroke, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), we demonstrate stroke-induced lymphangiogenesis near the cribriform plate, peaking at day 7 and regressing by day 14. Lymphangiogenesis is restricted to the cribriform plate and deep cervical lymph nodes and is regulated by VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling.

Dual role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C) in post-stroke recovery.

Unlabelled: Using a mouse model of ischemic stroke, this study characterizes stroke-induced lymphangiogenesis at the cribriform plate (CP). While blocking CP lymphangiogenesis with a VEGFR-3 inhibitor improves stroke outcome, administration of VEGF-C induced larger brain infarcts.

Abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), antigens, and antigen-presenting cells drain from the central nervous system (CNS) into lymphatic vessels near the cribriform plate and dural meningeal lymphatics.