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cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a fluid that surrounds the central nervous system (CNS). The workings of the CSF is not clearly understood but it is clear that it fulfills several important functions:

Shock Absorbtion. Because the brain and spinal cord are suspended within the CSF, it cushions the CNS and protects it from traumatic injury.

Nutrition. The CSF contains sugars and other elements that are used by central nervous system cells, specifically neurons and glial cells.

Waste disposal. The CSF removes waste products produced by the metabolism of the cells in the CNS.

Communication. The CSF also acts as a messaging medium. Because the CSF contains a lot of active biochemicals (cytokines, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites and the like) the CSF provides information about the state of the CNS, whether it is running normally or whether there are any infections or dysfunctions.

Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by an organ, called the choroid plexus, in the interior fluid spaces of the brain (ventricles) and by the surface of the roof of the third and fourth ventricles. The volumes of CSF produced are enough to replace the entire CSF volume four times per day which creates a pressure and thus circulation. The CSF flows out of the ventricles to the subarachnoid space outside the brain reaching the arachoidal villi along the surface of the brain where it is absorbed and passed through to the blood vessels of the superior sagittal sinus.

Whereas most of the immune system cells (leukocytes) in the blood are of a type called granulocytes, CSF usually contains other types of leukocyte called lymphocytes and monocytes. The presence of antibodies, secreted by some of the lymphocytes, indicates some kind of inflammation. Such inflammation is typical both of multiple sclerosis and some other diseases. Additionally, people with MS usually have specific lymphocyte cells, called B-cells, which are directed against the proteins that make up myelin, the insulating material around the nerve cells (neurons). These proteins are myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein and myelin oligodendrocyte protein. Myelin, itself, is often found in the CSF of people with MS. These findings, as well as other abnormalities in the CSF, are the basis of the use of spinal taps for diagnosing MS.

Cerebrospinal fluid is isolated both from the brain and the blood by a protective layer called the ependyma or Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB). This barrier shields the CNS from both toxins and from invading bacteria and viruses (pathogens). However mechanisms within the BBB involving adhesion molecules, cytokines and pore proteins regulate the movement of leukocytes and other traffic to and from the CSF.

Cerebrospinal fluid links:

Cerebro-Spinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid
Cerebal Ventricular System and Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid circulation -- Medical Illustration
Figure 14: Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytokines

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