Intracellular uptake of macromolecules by brain lymphatic endothelial cells during zebrafish embryonic development.

ABSTRACT: The lymphatic system controls fluid homeostasis and the clearance of macromolecules from interstitial compartments. In mammals brain lymphatics were only recently discovered, with significant implications for physiology and disease. We examined zebrafish for the presence of brain lymphatics and found loosely connected endothelial cells with lymphatic molecular signature covering parts of the brain without forming endothelial tubular structures. These brain lymphatic endothelial cells (BLECs) derive from venous endothelium, are distinct from macrophages, and are sensitive to loss of Vegfc. BLECs endocytose macromolecules in a selective manner, which can be blocked by injection of mannose receptor ligands. This first report on brain lymphatic endothelial cells in a vertebrate embryo identifi

SUBMITTER: van Lessen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5457137 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature