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The Stars of the Brain

Iben Lundgaard, Associate Professor | LUNDGAARD LAB

Astrocytes in pig cortex

The story

This image shows astrocytes contacting and wrapping themselves around cerebral blood vessels in the pig brain.

Research area

The glymphatic brain clearance system, which we believe is important for preventing development of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Image description

Astrocytes, glia cells, in light blue and blood vessels in multi-color. The image is from the pig brain.

Impact

Astrocytes enwrap the vasculature in the brain, thereby creating perivascular spaces that can be used as channels for fluid movement. This movement of cerebrospinal fluid into the brain mediates clearance of harmful solutes. Due to its function in brain
clearance I believe that it is extremely important to gain a deeper understanding of the glymphatic system to develop new drugs or therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Credits

Nicholas Béchet

Last updated: 5 Feb 2025 | lisa [dot] karlsson [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se