Circulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Carassius Gibelio

Abstract

IN THE literature one finds various, and often controversial, opinions and observations concerned with the origin, movement, pathways, absorption and function of the cerebrospinal fluid. An excellent survey of this matter is found in the monograph of Katzenelbogen.1 The literature gives ample proof that the formation of the fluid occurs in the choroid plexuses. Whether cerebrospinal fluid is also formed elsewhere (e. g., in the cerebrospinal parenchyma or in the ependyma) is a much debated question. According to Sepp 2 and others, the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid is produced by vascular pulsations; according to still other investigators, respiratory movements and movements of the body and the head are contributing factors. Concerning the relations between the cerebrospinal fluid and the perivascular and the pericellular spaces many opinions are in existence. The escape of the cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebrospinal cavity takes place by absorption into the veins, through the arachnoidal villi (Weed3), or by perineural transportation and absorption into the lymph spaces. With regard to the last point especially there exists a lively discussion.It was the opinion expressed by Dr. H. Berkelbach van den Sprenkel, conservator of this laboratory, that there is fluid in the perivascular spaces of the brain and that this cerebrospinal fluid is moved by the pulse wave of the blood vessels and consequently flows in the same direc¬ tion as the blood stream. Dr. Berkelbach van den Sprenkel advised me to