Noninvasive whole-brain imaging of glymphatic dynamics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid circulation through the glymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing metabolic waste from the central nervous system. However, the mechanism underlying the brain-wide glymphatic dynamics is not yet fully understood, in part due to the lack of glymphatic imaging technologies on deep brains. Here, we report a hybrid imaging technology that integrates three-dimensional photoacoustic tomography and ultrasound localization microscopy (3D-PAULM), enhanced by a photoacoustic dye with strong optical absorption in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II). 3D-PAULM allows for continuous, noninvasive, whole-brain imaging in mice through intact skull, providing superresolution mapping of the brain vasculature and highly sensitive tracing of the NIR-II dye in the glymphatic system. Using 3D-PAULM, we investigated the glymphatic function impaired by ischemic stroke, aging, and anesthesia. Our results provide insights into glymphatic transport under various physiological as well as pathological conditions and establish 3D-PAULM as a valuable tool for preclinical glymphatic research.

Source: Science Advances

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aee4926

Institutions: Duke University, Duke Medical Center, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Fudan University

Language: English

Topic: Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Imaging

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: American Heart Association, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, National Institutes of Health

Awards: Developing a 2-in-1 Wearable On-Demand Ultrasound Imaging & Stimulation System for Treating Post-Stroke Motor Impairment, G8002465213, G9000185659, G9000205254

OpenAlex ID: W7165044833