https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02319-6
Regular Article
Immunofluorescence identification of the Lyve-1/Prox-1 expressing lymphatic elements in the unaffected and affected human brain
1
Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya Str., 83, 410012, Saratov, Russia
2
Saratov State Medical University, B. Kazachaya Str., 112, 410012, Saratov, Russia
3
Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants and Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Entuziastov 13, 410049, Saratov, Russia
a
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Received:
30
December
2025
Accepted:
15
April
2026
Published online:
26
April
2026
Abstract
We present here the results of immunofluorescence analysis, which confirmed the presence of luminalized vessels expressing Lyve‑1/Prox‑1, with a single endothelial layer, in the unaffected brain and in the presence of intraventricular hemorrhages. Lymphatic vessels (LVs) were detected in 3 out of 8 control brains and in 5 out of 34 brains from patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). These LVs possess valves and a wavy shape in their distal regions, a characteristic feature of lymphatic precollectors. Additionally, we identified lymphatic elements (LEs) expressing Lyve‑1/Prox‑1 in the enlarged perivascular spaces (PVSs). The median size of PVSs was significantly larger in the IVH group (12.4 µm, Q25‑Q75: 9.8–15.1 µm) compared to controls (5.1 µm, Q25‑Q75: 4.2–6.3 µm; p < 0.05), and the number of LEs within PVSs was also increased in the IVH group (median 4.2 vs. 1.1 per mm2, p < 0.05). These groundbreaking findings could revolutionize our understanding of the anatomy and physiology of cerebral lymphatics, prompting a reevaluation of fundamental assumptions regarding the etiology of brain diseases associated with lymphatic dysfunction. The discovery of cerebral LVs represents a significant advance in the development of innovative technologies for modulating lymphatic removal of toxins and blood from the brain.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
