Arachnoid granulations are lymphatic conduits that communicate with bone marrow and dura-arachnoid stroma

Arachnoid granulations are poorly investigated. We show that they harbor immune cells and communicate with perisinus spaces, suggesting that granulations subserve neuroimmune roles and function as transarachnoidal passageways. These data raise new theories regarding glymphatic-lymphatic coupling and mechanisms of diseases. Arachnoid granulations (AG) are poorly investigated. Historical reports suggest that they regulate brain volume by passively transporting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into dural venous sinuses. Here, we studied the microstructure of cerebral AG in humans with the aim of understanding their roles in physiology. We discovered marked variations in AG size, lobation, location, content, and degree of surface encapsulation. High-resolution microscopy shows that AG consist of outer capsule and inner stromal core regions. The fine and porous framework suggests uncharacterized functions of AG in mechanical CSF filtration. Moreover, internal cytokine and immune cell enrichment imply unexplored neuroimmune properties of these structures that localize to the brain-meningeal lymphatic interface. Dramatic age-associated changes in AG structure are additionally identified. This study depicts for the first time microscopic networks of internal channels that communicate with perisinus spaces, suggesting that AG subserve important functions as transarachnoidal flow passageways. These data raise new theories regarding glymphatic-lymphatic coupling and mechanisms of CSF antigen clearance, homeostasis, and diseases.

Automated summary

The study investigates the microstructure and functions of arachnoid granulations (AG) in the brain. It shows that AG harbor immune cells and communicate with perisinus spaces, suggesting their roles in neuroimmune functions and as transarachnoidal passageways. These findings have implications for glymphatic-lymphatic coupling and mechanisms of diseases.