Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, interest has grown in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a physiological fluid supporting brain development, function and health. Attention has focused on the source of CSF, the choroid plexus epithelium, as the compoisition of CSF is unique and controlled. The role of CSF in brain development, normal function and health of the brain, is becoming clear, particularly in metabolic processes, supply of nutrients, metabolies and vitamins. Then, we have the vital role of CSF in removal of metabolic and cellular waste products including amyloid and cellular breakdown products. Here, the high volume of CSF production becomes important as decreased CSF output has bene linked to amyloid deposition and dementia. The lack of efficient drainage also clearly leads to metabolic dysfunction, specifically in folate metabolism but no doubt in other pathways as well. The recent hot topic in CSF research is, of course, the glymphatic pathway which has certain issues in its application to the global fluid dynamics of the brain since the perivascular spaces exist only in the topmost layer of the brain. This Special Issue will hopefully explore the different aspects of CSF biology, physiology and functions from different directions and fuel further interactions, debate and research to find answers to questions on this poorly studied physiological fluid.
Dr. Jaleel Miyan
Guest Editor