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This study aimed to determine whether choroid plexus volume (CPV) could differentiate multiple sclerosis (MS) from its mimics. A secondary analysis of two previously enrolled studies, 50 participants with MS and 64 with alternative diagnoses were included. CPV was automatically segmented from 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by manual review to remove misclassified tissue. Mean normalized choroid plexus volume (nCPV) to intracranial volume demonstrated relatively high specificity for MS participants in each cohort (0.80 and 0.76) with an area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve of 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.55-0.87) and 0.65 (95% CI = 0.52-0.77). In this preliminary study, nCPV differentiated MS from its mimics.

Background: Using neuroimaging techniques, growing evidence has suggested that the choroid plexus (CP) volume is enlarged in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Notably, the CP has been suggested to play an important role in inflammation-induced CNS damage under disease conditions. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the relationships between peripheral inflammation and CP volume in sporadic ALS patients. Thus, in this study, we aimed to verify CP enlargement and explore its association with peripheral inflammation in vivo in independent ALS cohorts. Methods: Based on structural MRI data, CP volume was measured using Gaussian mixture models and further manually corrected in two independent cohorts of sporadic ALS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Serum inflammatory protein levels were measured using a novel high-sensitivity Olink proximity extension assay (PEA) technique. Xtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was used to explore the contribution of peripheral inflammatory factors to CP enlargement. Then, partial correlation analyses were performed. Results: CP volumes were significantly higher in ALS patients than in HCs in the independent cohorts. Compared with HCs, serum levels of CRP, IL-6, CXCL10, and 35 other inflammatory factors were significantly increased in ALS patients. Using the XGBoost approach, we established a model-based importance of features, and the top three predictors of CP volume in ALS patients were CRP, IL-6, and CXCL10 (with gains of 0.24, 0.18, and 0.15, respectively). Correlation analyses revealed that CRP, IL-6, and CXCL10 were significantly associated with CP volume in ALS patients (r = 0.462 ∼ 0.636, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study is the first to reveal a consistent and replicable contribution of peripheral inflammation to CP enlargement in vivo in sporadic ALS patients. Given that CP enlargement has been recently detected in other brain diseases, these findings should consider extending to other disease conditions with a peripheral inflammatory component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace mineral for brain function, but excessive accumulation can cause irreversible nervous system damage, highlighting the need for proper Mn balance. ZIP14, ZnT10, and ZIP8 are key transporters involved in maintaining Mn homeostasis, particularly in the absorption and excretion of Mn in the intestine and liver. However, their roles in the brain are less understood. The blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier and the blood–brain barrier, formed by the choroid plexus and brain blood vessels, respectively, are critical for brain protection and brain metal homeostasis. This study identified ZIP14 on the choroid plexus epithelium, and ZIP8 and ZnT10 in brain microvascular tissue. We show that despite significant Mn accumulation in the CSF of Znt10 knockout mice, ZIP14 expression levels in the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier remain unchanged, indicating that ZIP14 does not have a compensatory mechanism for regulating Mn uptake in the brain in vivo. Additionally, Mn still enters the CSF without ZIP14 when systemic levels rise. This indicates that alternative transport mechanisms or compensatory pathways ensure Mn balance in the CSF, shedding light on potential strategies for managing Mn-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian mature teratomas frequently contain central nervous system (CNS) tissue that often exhibits a variety of neuropathologic alterations. The author systematically examined the changes seen in CNS tissue from a series of 251 cases of resected ovarian mature teratomas. A total of 101 (40.2%) samples contained CNS tissue in varying amounts. The principal pathologic findings in the CNS tissue from ovarian mature teratomas were as follows: (i) CNS tissue tended to form a relatively thin, undulating, plate‐like structure that comprised the walls or septa of cystic tumors; (ii) most neurons were small or medium sized, and no CD34‐positive “ramifying cells” were observed; (iii) cytoplasmic processes of some astrocytes closely surrounded the walls of capillaries, suggesting formation of a blood–brain barrier; (iv) some ependymal cells exhibited a columnar shape and showed a pseudostratified arrangement, and these cells extended thick basal cytoplasmic processes into the neuropil; (v) a few choroid plexus epithelial cells showed melanin deposition, tubular transformation, or oncocytic changes; (vi) hamartoma‐like hyperplasia of arachnoid cells was noted beneath skin tissue; (vii) some CNS tissue showed formation of cerebral cortical structures exhibiting “gyration” with incompletely layered structures, and disruption of the glia limitans with spillage of cortical tissue into the “subarachnoid” space was also observed; and (viii) in the well‐formed cerebellar cortex, dendrites of Purkinje cells exhibited varied dysmorphic changes. These neuropathologic observations should lead to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of various lesions in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The choroid plexus (ChP) serves as the principal origin of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF hypersecretion due to ChP inflammation has emerged as an important pathogenesis of hydrocephalus recently. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of ChP inflammation and the ensuing CSF hypersecretion in hydrocephalus remain ill-defined. In the present study, we elucidate the critical role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of ChP inflammation. Specifically, we identify the chemokine CCL2, released by ChP epithelial cells, recruits CCR2+ monocytes to the ChP thereby inciting hydrocephalus pathogenesis. The accumulated ChP macrophages increase the inflammation in ChP epithelial cells through TNF- α /TNFR1/NF- κ B signaling cascade, thereby leading to CSF hypersecretion. Strikingly, augmentation of ChP‒CCL2 using an adeno-associated viral approach (AAV) exacerbates macrophage recruitment, activation, and ventriculomegaly in rat PHH models. Systemic application of Bindarit, a specific CCL2 inhibitor, significantly inhibits ChP macrophage infiltration and activation and reduces CSF secretion rate. Furthermore, the administration of CCR2 antagonist (INCB 3284) reduces ChP macrophage accumulation and ventriculomegaly. This study not only unveils the ChP CCL2‒CCR2 signaling in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus but also unveils Bindarit as a promising therapeutic choice for the management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. After intraventricular hemorrhage, CCL2 secreted by choroid plexus epithelial cells recruited CCR2+ monocytes and released inflammatory cytokines including TNF- α. Inhibition of CCL2 secretion through Bindarit could ameliorate hydrocephalus. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The choroid plexus (CP) is an understudied tissue in the central nervous system and is primarily implicated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. CP also produces numerous neurotrophic factors (NTF) which circulate to different brain regions. Regulation of NTFs in the CP during natural aging is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the age and gender-specific transcription of NTFs along with the changes in the tight junctional proteins (TJPs) and the water channel protein Aquaporin (AQP1). Methods: Male and female mice were used for our study. Age-related transcriptional changes were analyzed using quantitative PCR at three different time points: mature adult, middle-aged, and aged. Transcriptional changes during aging were further confirmed with digital droplet PCR. Additionally, we used immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) for the evaluation of in vivo protein expression. We further investigated the cellular phenotype of these NTFS, TJP, and water channel proteins in the mouse CP by co-labeling them with the classical vascular marker, Isolectin B4, and epithelial cell marker, Plectin. Results: Aging significantly altered NTF gene expression in the CP. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Midkine (MDK), VGF, Insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), IGF2, Klotho (KL), Erythropoietin (EPO), and its receptor (EPOR) were reduced in the aged CP of males and females. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcription was gender-specific; in males, gene expression was unchanged in the aged CP, while females showed an age-dependent reduction. Age-dependent changes in VEGF localization were evident, from vasculature to epithelial cells. IGF2 and klotho localized in the basolateral membrane of the CP and showed an age-dependent reduction in epithelial cells. Water channel protein AQP1 localized in the tip of epithelial cells and showed an age-related reduction in mRNA and protein levels. TJP's JAM, CLAUDIN1, CLAUDIN2 and CLAUDIN5 were reduced in aged mice. Conclusions: Our study highlights transcriptional level changes in the CP during aging. The age-related transcriptional changes exhibit similarities as well as gene-specific differences in the CP of males and females. Altered transcription of the water channel protein AQP1 and TJPs could be involved in reduced CSF production during aging. Importantly, reduction in the neurotrophic factors and longevity factor Klotho can play a role in regulating brain aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ENT‐03, a spermine bile acid we recently discovered in the brain of newborn mice acts centrally to regulate energy and metabolism. Obese, diabetic (ob/ob) mice treated with five doses of ENT‐03 over 2 weeks, demonstrated a rapid decrease in blood glucose levels into the range seen in non‐obese animals, prior to any significant weight loss. Weight fell substantially thereafter as food intake decreased, and serum biochemical parameters normalized compared with both vehicle and pair‐fed controls. To determine whether ENT‐03 could be acting centrally, we injected a single dose of ENT‐03 intracerebroventricularly to Sprague–Dawley rats. Weight fell significantly and remained below vehicle injected controls for an extended period. By autoradiography, ENT‐03 localized to the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, the choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid. Significant cFos activation occurred in multiple anatomical regions within the hypothalamus and brainstem involved in appetite suppression, food‐entrained circadian rhythmicity, autonomic function, and growth. These data support a role for ENT‐03 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Phase 1 studies in subjects with obesity and diabetes are currently in progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a fluid critical to brain development, function, and health. It is actively secreted by the choroid plexus, and it emanates from brain tissue due to osmolar exchange and the constant contribution of brain metabolism and astroglial fluid output to interstitial fluid into the ventricles of the brain. CSF acts as a growth medium for the developing cerebral cortex and a source of nutrients and signalling throughout life. Together with perivascular glymphatic and interstitial fluid movement through the brain and into CSF, it also acts to remove toxins and maintain metabolic balance. In this study, we focused on cerebral folate status, measuring CSF concentrations of folate receptor alpha (FOLR1); aldehyde dehydrogenase 1L1, also known as 10-formyl tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (ALDH1L1 and FDH); and total folate. These demonstrate the transport of folate from blood across the blood–CSF barrier and into CSF (FOLR1 + folate), and the transport of folate through the primary FDH pathway from CSF into brain FDH + ve astrocytes. Based on our hypothesis that CSF flow, drainage issues, or osmotic forces, resulting in fluid accumulation, would have an associated cerebral folate imbalance, we investigated folate status in CSF from neurological conditions that have a severity association with enlarged ventricles. We found that all the conditions we examined had a folate imbalance, but these folate imbalances were not all the same. Given that folate is essential for key cellular processes, including DNA/RNA synthesis, methylation, nitric oxide, and neurotransmitter synthesis, we conclude that ageing or some form of trauma in life can lead to CSF accumulation and ventricular enlargement and result in a specific folate imbalance/deficiency associated with the specific neurological condition. We believe that addressing cerebral folate imbalance may therefore alleviate many of the underlying deficits and symptoms in these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pathways for intravenously administered gadolinium-based-contrast-agents (GBCAs) entering cerebrospinal-fluid (CSF) circulation in the human brain are not well-understood. The blood-CSF-barrier (BCSFB) in choroid-plexus (CP) has long been hypothesized to be a main entry-point for intravenous-GBCAs into CSF. Most existing studies on this topic were performed in animals and human patients with various diseases. Results in healthy human subjects are limited. Besides, most studies were performed using MRI methods with limited temporal resolution and significant partial-volume effects from blood and CSF. Methods: This study employs the recently developed dynamic-susceptibility-contrast-in-the-CSF (cDSC) MRI approach to measure GBCA-distribution in the CSF immediately and 4 h after intravenous-GBCA administration in healthy subjects. With a temporal resolution of 10 s, cDSC MRI can track GBCA-induced CSF signal changes during the bolus phase, which has not been investigated previously. It employs a long echo-time (TE = 1347 ms) to suppress tissue and blood signals so that pure CSF signal is detected with minimal partial-volume effects. GBCA concentration in the CSF can be estimated from cDSC MRI. In this study, cDSC and FLAIR MRI were performed immediately and 4 h after intravenous GBCA administration in 25 healthy volunteers (age 48.9 ± 19.5 years; 14 females). Paired t-tests were used to compare pre-GBCA and post-GBCA signal changes, and their correlations with age were evaluated using Pearson-correlation-coefficients. Results: At ~ 20 s post-GBCA, GBCA-induced cDSC signal changes were detected in the CSF around CP (ΔS/S = − 2.40 ± 0.30%; P <.001) but not in the rest of lateral ventricle (LV). At 4 h, significant GBCA-induced cDSC signal changes were observed in the entire LV (ΔS/S = − 7.58 ± 3.90%; P =.002). FLAIR MRI showed a similar trend. GBCA-induced CSF signal changes did not correlate with age. Conclusions: These results provided direct imaging evidence that GBCAs can pass the BCSFB in the CP and enter ventricular CSF immediately after intravenous administration in healthy human brains. Besides, our results in healthy subjects established a basis for clinical studies in brain diseases exploiting GBCA-enhanced MRI to detect BCSFB dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zic family member ZIC4 is a transcription factor that has been shown to be silenced in several cancers. However, understanding the regulation and function of ZIC4 in pediatric choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) remained limited. This study employed data mining and bioinformatics analysis to investigate the DNA methylation status of ZIC4 in CPTs and its correlation with patient survival. Our results unveiled ZIC4 methylation as a segregating factor, dividing CPT cohorts into two clusters, with hyper-methylation linked to adverse prognosis. Hyper-methylation of ZIC4 was confirmed in a choroid plexus carcinoma-derived cell line (CCHE-45) by bisulfite sequencing. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that demethylating agent and a histone methyltransferase inhibitor could reverse ZIC4 silencing. RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis showed that ZIC4 over-expression influenced genes and proteins involved in immune response, antigen processing and presentation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and metabolism. Functionally, re-expressing ZIC4 negatively impacted cell proliferation and migration. Ultimately, these findings underscore ZIC4 hyper-methylation as a prognostic marker in CPTs and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying its tumor suppressor role in CPC. This insight paves the way for novel therapeutic targets in treating aggressive CPTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The choroid plexus (ChP) helps maintain the homeostasis of the brain by forming the blood-CSF barrier via tight junctions (TJ) at the choroid plexus epithelial cells, and subsequently preventing neuroinflammation by restricting immune cells infiltration into the central nervous system. However, whether chronic cerebral hypoperfusion causes ChP structural damage and blood-CSF barrier impairment remains understudied. Methods: The bilateral carotid stenosis (BCAS) model in adult male C57BL/6 J mice was used to induce cerebral hypoperfusion, a model for vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). BCAS-mediated changes of the blood-CSF barrier TJ proteins, apical secretory Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) protein and regulatory serine-threonine kinases SPAK, and brain infiltration of myeloid-derived immune cells were assessed. Results: BCAS triggered dynamic changes of TJ proteins (claudin 1, claudin 5) accompanied with stimulation of SPAK-NKCC1 complex and NF-κB in the ChP epithelial cells. These changes impacted the integrity of the blood-CSF barrier, as evidenced by ChP infiltration of macrophages/microglia, neutrophils and T cells. Importantly, pharmacological blockade of SPAK with its potent inhibitor ZT1a in BCAS mice attenuated brain immune cell infiltration and improved cognitive neurological function. Conclusions: BCAS causes chronic ChP blood-CSF damage and immune cell infiltration. Our study sheds light on the SPAK-NKCC1 complex as a therapeutic target in neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) comprises the choroid plexus epithelia. It is important for brain development, maintenance, function, and especially for maintaining immune homeostasis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although previous studies have shown that the peripheral immune function of the body is impaired upon exposure to microgravity, no studies have reported changes in immune cells and cytokines in the CSF that reflect neuroimmune status. The purpose of this study is to investigate the alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune homeostasis induced by microgravity and its mechanisms. This research is expected to provide basic data for brain protection of astronauts during spaceflight. Methods: The proportions of immune cells in the CSF and peripheral blood (PB) of SMG rats were analyzed using flow cytometry. Immune function was evaluated by measuring cytokine concentrations using the Luminex method. The histomorphology and ultrastructure of the choroid plexus epithelia were determined. The concentrations of intercellular junction proteins in choroid plexus epithelial cells, including vascular endothelial‐cadherin (VE‐cadherin), zonula occludens 1 (ZO‐1), Claudin‐1 and occludin, were detected using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining to characterize BCSFB injury. Results: We found that SMG caused significant changes in the proportion of CD4 and CD8 T cells in the CSF and a significant increase in the levels of cytokines (GRO/KC, IL‐18, MCP‐1, and RANTES). In the PB, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of T cells and NKT cells and a significant increase in cytokine levels (GRO/KC, IL‐18, MCP‐1, and TNF‐α). Additionally, we observed that the trends in immune markers in the PB and CSF were synchronized within specific SMG durations, suggesting that longer SMG periods (≥21 days) have a more pronounced impact on immune markers. Furthermore, 21d‐SMG resulted in ultrastructural disruption and downregulated expression of intercellular junction proteins in rat choroid plexus epithelial cells. Conclusions: We found that SMG disrupts the BCSFB and affects the CSF immune homeostasis. This study provides new insights into the health protection of astronauts during spaceflight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing use of cannabis in the US, there is an urgent need to better understand the drug's effects on central signaling mechanisms. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as intercellular signaling mediators that contain a variety of cargo, including proteins. Here, we examined whether the main psychoactive component in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alters EV protein signaling dynamics in the brain. We first conducted in vitro studies, which found that THC activates signaling in choroid plexus epithelial cells, resulting in transcriptional upregulation of the cannabinoid 1 receptor and immediate early gene c-fos, in addition to the release of EVs containing RNA cargo. Next, male and female rats were examined for the effects of either acute or chronic exposure to aerosolized ('vaped') THC on circulating brain EVs. Cerebrospinal fluid was extracted from the brain, and EVs were isolated and processed with label-free quantitative proteomic analyses via high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Interestingly, circulating EV-localized proteins were differentially expressed based on acute or chronic THC exposure in a sex-specific manner. Taken together, these findings reveal that THC acts in the brain to modulate circulating EV signaling, thereby providing a novel understanding of how exogenous factors can regulate intercellular communication in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Choroid plexus (ChP) enlargement is an emerging radiological biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: This study aims to assess ChP volume in a large cohort of patients with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) versus healthy controls (HC) and explore its relationship with other brain volumes, disease activity, and biological markers. Methods: RIS individuals were included retrospectively and compared with HC. ChPs were automatically segmented using an in-house automated algorithm and manually corrected. Results: A total of 124 patients fulfilled the 2023 RIS criteria, and 55 HCs were included. We confirmed that ChPs are enlarged in RIS versus HC (mean (±SD) normalized ChP volume: 17.24 (±4.95) and 11.61 (±3.58), respectively, p < 0.001). Larger ChPs were associated with more periventricular lesions (ρ = 0.26; r 2 = 0.27; p = 0.005 for the correlation with lesion volume, and ρ = 0.2; r 2 = 0.21; p = 0.002 for the correlation with lesion number) and lower thalamic volume (ρ = −0.38; r 2 = 0.44; p < 0.001), but not with lesions in other brain regions. Conversely, ChP volume did not correlate with biological markers. No significant difference in ChP volume was observed between subjects who presented or did not have a clinical event or between those with or without imaging disease activity. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that ChP volume is higher in RIS and is associated with measures reflecting periventricular pathology but does not correlate with biological, radiological, or clinical markers of disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To develop an innovative process for stereotactic brain biopsies in dogs and cats that would provide a definitive diagnosis and optimize the management of patients with brain lesions. ANIMALS 4 dogs and 1 cat diagnosed with 1 or more brain lesion(s) underwent brain biopsies between March 24, 2023, and October 25, 2023. METHODS Based on trajectories selected on images of MRI and CT scan performed on each patient, a computerized software program was used to design a 3-D–printed patient-specific device with maxillary dental impression located on a baseplate to secure the patient’s head and with insertion ports for the biopsy instrumentations located on a C-arm. As proof of concept, the device was successfully used in 2 cadavers before being used on clinical patients. All biopsy samples were submitted for histopathological examination. RESULTS Histological diagnosis was obtained in 80% (4/5) of the cases (choroid plexus tumor, astrocytoma, meningioma, and chronic meningoencephalitis of unknown origin). In 1 patient, the results of biopsy were nondiagnostic; postmortem diagnosis was consistent with a low-grade oligodendroglioma. All the patients were discharged within 24 hours after the procedure without complications. This novel stereotactic system allows the surgeon to perform safe, easyto-use, inexpensive, and minimally invasive precise brain biopsies in dogs and cats, without complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This unique technique could be applied to any size and type of skull and for any type of brain lesions and would provide diagnostic information that would be valuable for future treatment planning and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intranasal insulin (INI) is being explored as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Improved memory, functional ability, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarker profiles have been observed following INI administration. However, the method of intranasal delivery may significantly affect outcomes. Objective: To show reliable delivery of insulin to the brain using the Aptar Cartridge Pump System (CPS) intranasal delivery system. Methods: To visualize INI biodistribution, we developed a novel PET radiotracer, Gallium 68-radiolabeled (NOTA-conjugated) insulin, [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin. We used the Aptar CPS to administer [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin to anesthetized healthy adult vervet monkeys and measured brain regional activity and whole-body dosimetry following PET/CT scans. Results: We observed brain penetration of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin following intranasal administration with the Aptar CPS. Radioactive uptake was seen in multiple regions, including the amygdala, putamen, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and choroid plexus. A safety profile and whole-body dosimetry were also established in a second cohort of vervets. Safety was confirmed: vitals remained stable, blood glucose levels were unchanged, and no organ was exposed to more than 2.5 mSv of radioactivity. Extrapolations from vervet organ distribution allowed for estimation of the [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin absorbed dose in humans, and the maximum dose of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin that can be safely administered to humans was determined to be 185 MBq. Conclusions: The use of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin as a PET radiotracer is safe and effective for observing brain uptake in vervet monkeys. Further, the Aptar CPS successfully targets [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin to the brain. The data will be essential in guiding future studies of intranasal [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-insulin administration in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Removing ventricular catheters, particularly those implanted for extended periods, poses significant challenges for neurosurgeons due to potential complications such as bleeding from adhesions to the ependyma or choroid plexus. Objective: This study aimed to review various techniques for safely removing ventricular catheters, emphasizing methods that minimize the risk of hemorrhagic complications. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review focused on techniques developed and documented in the literature for safely detaching ventricular catheters adhered to brain structures. Results: Various techniques have been identified that enhance the safety of catheter removal. Notably, the use of monopolar diathermy to coagulate and release adhesions has proven effective. Innovations such as insulated suction devices and the strategic use of flexible endoscopes have also contributed to safer removal procedures, minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding cerebral tissue and preventing catastrophic hemorrhage. Conclusion: The removal of ventricular catheters, especially those with long-term implantation, requires precise and cautious techniques to avoid severe complications. The study underscores the importance of adopting advanced surgical techniques and the continuous evolution of safer practices in neurosurgery. These methods not only ensure patient safety but also facilitate the handling of potentially complex and life-threatening situations during catheter removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Safety and effectiveness of Evicel® fibrin sealant as an adjunct to sutured dural repair in children undergoing cranial neurosurgery." The correction involves updating Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the article to include indentations for reader clarity. The updated tables provide information on patient characteristics, procedural characteristics, treatment parameters, and intra-operative outcomes. The correction notice includes the updated tables for reference. The article presents the results of a study comparing different surgical treatments for achieving watertight closure in brain surgery. The study found that Tisseel® had a higher success rate compared to sutures, particularly in supratentorial surgeries. The study also reported no adverse events related to the study products. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Most myelomeningocele (MMC) cases present with ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus, yet a comprehensive volumetric assessment of MMC intracranial structures is lacking. This study aimed to provide baseline data on intracranial structural volumes immediately after birth in MMC infants who underwent repair surgeries after birth (postnatal repair). Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 52 MMC infants undergoing postnatal repair, utilizing head computed tomography scans at birth for volumetric assessment. Intracranial volume (ICV), lateral ventricles volume (LVV), choroid plexus volume (CPV), and posterior cranial fossa volume (PCFV) were measured. Hydrocephalus was classified into no hydrocephalus, progressive hydrocephalus, and hydrocephalus at birth. Comparative analysis employed the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis discriminated cases with and without ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). Results: The median values were 407.50 mL for ICV, 33.18 mL for LVV, 0.67 mL for CPV, and 21.35 mL for PCFV. Thirty-seven cases (71.15%) underwent VPS. ROC analysis revealed an LVV cut-off value of 6.74 mL for discriminating cases with and without VPS. Progressive hydrocephalus showed no significant difference in ICV but significantly larger LVV compared to no hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus at birth demonstrated statistically larger ICV and LVV compared to the other two types. Conclusion: Baseline volumetric data were provided, and volumetric analysis exhibited statistical differences among three hydrocephalus types. These findings enhance our understanding of intracranial volumetric changes in MMC, facilitating more objective assessments of MMC cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The function of choroid plexus is to produce cerebrospinal fluid, which is critical for the glymphatic system function. In this study, we aimed to analyze the differences in choroid plexus volume between patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and healthy controls, with the goal of discovering the glymphatic system dysfunction in patients with OSA. We prospectively enrolled 40 patients with OSA confirmed by polysomnography and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent three-dimensional T1-weighted brain imaging, which was suitable for volumetric analysis. We compared choroid plexus volumes between patients with OSA and healthy controls, and analyzed the association between choroid plexus volume and polysomnographic findings in patients with OSA. Choroid plexus volumes were significantly larger in patients with OSA than in healthy controls (2.311 % vs. 2.096 %, p = 0.005). However, no significant association was detected between choroid plexus volume and polysomnographic findings. This study demonstrated enlargement of the choroid plexus in patients with OSA compared with healthy controls. This finding could be related with glymphatic system dysfunction in patients with OSA. • Comparison of choroid plexus volume in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) versus healthy controls. • Patients with OSA showed significantly larger choroid plexus volumes compared to healthy controls. • Choroid plexus volume did not vary significantly with OSA severity levels and showed no correlation with PSG findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ependymal and choroid plexus tumours arise in anatomically related regions. Their intraoperative differential diagnosis is large and depends on factors such as age, tumour site and clinical presentation. Squash cytology can provide valuable information in this context. Cytological features of conventional ependymomas, subependymomas and myxopapillary ependymomas as well as choroid plexus tumours are reviewed and illustrated. Differential diagnostic considerations integrating morphological and clinical information are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition in early life has an impact on white matter (WM) development in preterm-born babies. Quantitative analysis of pixel brightness intensity (PBI) on cranial ultrasound (CUS) scans has shown a great potential in the evaluation of periventricular WM echogenicity in preterm newborns. We aimed to investigate the employment of this technique to objectively verify the effects of parenteral nutrition (PN) on periventricular WM damage in preterm infants. Prospective observational study including newborns with gestational age at birth ≤32 weeks and/or birth weight ≤1500 g who underwent CUS examination at term-equivalent age. The echogenicity of parieto–occipital periventricular WM relative to that of homolateral choroid plexus (RECP) was calculated on parasagittal scans by means of quantitative analysis of PBI. Its relationship with nutrient intake through enteral and parenteral routes in the first postnatal week was evaluated. The study included 42 neonates for analysis. We demonstrated that energy and protein intake administered through the parenteral route positively correlated with both right and left RECP values (parenteral energy intake vs. right RECP: r = 0.413, p = 0.007; parenteral energy intake vs. left RECP: r = 0.422, p = 0.005; parenteral amino acid intake vs. right RECP: r = 0.438, p = 0.004; parenteral amino acid intake vs. left RECP: r = 0.446, p = 0.003). Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed these findings. Quantitative assessment of PBI could be considered a simple, risk-free, and repeatable method to investigate the effects of PN on WM development in preterm neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to explore the genetic basis of a fetus with ultrasound indicating a thickening of the nuchal translucency (NT) and a choroid plexus cyst. Methods: Fetal amniotic fluid and peripheral blood were collected for a G-banding karyotype analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) detection. Results: The chromosome karyotypes of the fetus and its parents were normal. SNP-array showed the fetus had carried 277 kb microdeletion at 14q11.2, which was a new mutation. After the induced abortion, the fetus was diagnosed with macrocephaly. Conclusions: A prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with 14q11.2 microdeletion-induced intrauterine growth retardation was confirmed, which has provided guidance for the subsequent pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The choroid plexus (CP), a highly vascularized endothelial–epithelial convolute, is placed in the ventricular system of the brain and produces a large part of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Additionally, the CP is the location of a blood–CSF barrier (BCSFB) that separates the CSF from the blood stream in the CP endothelium. In vitro models of the CP and the BCSFB are of high importance to investigate the biological functions of the CP and the BCSFB. Since the CP is involved in several serious diseases, these in vitro models promise help in researching the processes contributing to the diseases and during the development of treatment options. In this review, we provide an overview on the available models and the advances that have been made toward more sophisticated and "in vivo near" systems as organoids and microfluidic lab-on-a-chip approaches. We go into the applications and research objectives for which the various modeling systems can be used and discuss the possible future prospects and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Folates are a family of B9 vitamins essential for normal growth and development in the central nervous system (CNS). Transport of folates is mediated by three major transport proteins: folate receptor alpha (FRα), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and reduced folate carrier (RFC). Brain folate uptake occurs at the choroid plexus (CP) epithelium through coordinated actions of FRα and PCFT, or directly into brain parenchyma at the vascular blood–brain barrier (BBB), mediated by RFC. Impaired folate transport can occur due to loss of function mutations in FRα or PCFT, resulting in suboptimal CSF folate levels. Our previous reports have demonstrated RFC upregulation by nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) once activated by the natural compound pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). More recently, we have identified folate transporter localization at the arachnoid barrier (AB). The purpose of the present study was to further characterize folate transporters localization and function in AB cells, as well as their regulation by NRF-1/PGC-1α signaling and folate deficiency. Methods: In immortalized mouse AB cells, polarized localization of RFC and PCFT was assessed by immunocytochemical analysis, with RFC and PCFT functionality examined with transport assays. The effects of PQQ treatment on changes in RFC functional expression were also investigated. Mouse AB cells grown in folate-deficient conditions were assessed for changes in gene expression of the folate transporters, and other key transporters and tight junction proteins. Results: Immunocytochemical analysis revealed apical localization of RFC at the mouse AB epithelium, with PCFT localized on the basolateral side and within intracellular compartments. PQQ led to significant increases in RFC functional expression, mediated by activation of the NRF-1/PGC-1α signalling cascade. Folate deficiency led to significant increases in expression of RFC, MRP3, P-gp, GLUT1 and the tight junction protein claudin-5. Conclusion: These results uncover the polarized expression of RFC and PCFT at the AB, with induction of RFC functional expression by activation of the NRF-1/PGC-1α signalling pathway and folate deficiency. These results suggest that the AB may contribute to the flow of folates into the CSF, representing an additional pathway when folate transport at the CP is impaired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal meningitis responsible for a substantial cause of death and disability worldwide. The vast majority of GBS neonatal meningitis cases are due to the CC17 hypervirulent clone. However, the cellular and molecular pathways involved in brain invasion by GBS CC17 isolates remain largely elusive. Here, we studied the specific interaction of the CC17 clone with the choroid plexus, the main component of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. Methods: The interaction of GBS CC17 or non-CC17 strains with choroid plexus cells was studied using an in vivo mouse model of meningitis and in vitro models of primary and transformed rodent choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPEC and Z310). In vivo interaction of GBS with the choroid plexus was assessed by microscopy. Bacterial invasion and cell barrier penetration were examined in vitro, as well as chemokines and cytokines in response to infection. Results: GBS CC17 was found associated with the choroid plexus of the lateral, 3rd and 4th ventricles. Infection of choroid plexus epithelial cells revealed an efficient internalization of the bacteria into the cells with GBS CC17 displaying a greater ability to invade these cells than a non-CC17 strain. Internalization of the GBS CC17 strain involved the CC17-specific HvgA adhesin and occurred via a clathrin-dependent mechanism leading to transcellular transcytosis across the choroid plexus epithelial monolayer. CPEC infection resulted in the secretion of several chemokines, including CCL2, CCL3, CCL20, CX3CL1, and the matrix metalloproteinase MMP3, as well as immune cell infiltration. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a GBS strain-specific ability to infect the blood-CSF barrier, which appears to be an important site of bacterial entry and an active site of immune cell trafficking in response to infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial physiological calcifications are usually seen in Post-mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) and are difficult to note with naked-eye examination during conventional autopsy. Studies on intracerebral calcifications in PMCT are few. Moreover, such studies may be of interest from the clinical perspective in order to compare physiological and pathological intracranial calcifications. Hence, the authors aimed to calculate the incidence of calcification of the pineal gland and choroid plexus in the lateral ventricle in brain PMCT and its association with age, sex, type of death, and manner of death. The authors studied 620 PMCT head scans of the deceased whose ages ranged from 2 months to 97 years (mean ± SD is 38.83 ± 15.91). A total of 59.68% had pineal calcification, and 47.42% had choroid plexus calcification with a male preponderance. A statistically significant association was present between the studied calcifications and age, sex, type of death, and manner of death. The calcification was higher in the pineal gland than in the choroid plexus until the fifth decade, and post fifth decade the choroid plexus calcification was more common. The presence of calcification was higher among the suicidal deaths when compared with the non-suicidal deaths with a statistically significant association (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Thyroid hormone transporters are essential for thyroid hormones to enter target cells. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 8 is a key transporter and is expressed at the blood–brain barrier (BBB), in neural cells and many other tissues. Patients with MCT8 deficiency have severe neurodevelopmental delays because of cerebral hypothyroidism and chronic sequelae of peripheral thyrotoxicosis. The T3 analog 3,3′,5-triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) rescued neurodevelopmental features in animal models mimicking MCT8 deficiency and improved key metabolic features in patients with MCT8 deficiency. However, the identity of the transporter(s) that facilitate TRIAC transport are unknown. Here, we screened candidate transporters that are expressed at the human BBB and/or brain–cerebrospinal fluid barrier and known thyroid hormone transporters for TRIAC transport. Materials and Methods: Plasma membrane expression was determined by cell surface biotinylation assays. Intracellular accumulation of 1 nM TRIAC was assessed in COS-1 cells expressing candidate transporters in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS)/0.1% glucose or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with or without 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Expression of Slc22a8 was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization in brain sections from wild-type and Mct8/Oatp1c1 knockout mice at postnatal days 12, 21, and 120. Results: In total, 59 plasma membrane transporters were selected for screening of TRIAC accumulation (n = 40 based on expression at the human BBB and/or brain–cerebrospinal fluid barrier and having small organic molecules as substrates; n = 19 known thyroid hormone transporters). Screening of the selected transporter panel showed that 18 transporters facilitated significant intracellular accumulation of TRIAC in DPBS/0.1% glucose or DMEM in the absence of BSA. In the presence of BSA, substantial transport was noted for SLCO1B1 and SLC22A8 (in DPBS/0.1% glucose and DMEM) and SLC10A1, SLC22A6, and SLC22A24 (in DMEM). The zebrafish and mouse orthologs of these transporters similarly facilitated intracellular accumulation of TRIAC. Highest Slc22a8 mRNA expression was detected in mouse brain capillary endothelial cells and choroid plexus epithelial cells at early postnatal time points, but was reduced at P120. Conclusions: Human SLC10A1, SLCO1B1, SLC22A6, SLC22A8, and SLC22A24 as well as their mouse and zebrafish orthologs are efficient TRIAC transporters. These findings contribute to the understanding of TRIAC treatment in patients with MCT8 deficiency and animal models thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebrovascular and neurological diseases are characterized by neuroinflammation, which alters the neurovascular unit, whose interaction with the choroid plexus is critical for maintaining brain homeostasis and producing cerebrospinal fluid. Dysfunctions in such process can lead to conditions such as idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, a common disease in older adults. Potential pharmacological treatments, based upon intranasal administration, are worthy of investigation because they might improve symptoms and avoid surgery by overcoming the blood–brain barrier and avoiding hepatic metabolism. Nasal lipid nanocarriers, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, may increase the nasal retention and permeation of drugs. To this aim, green solid lipid nanoparticles, obtained by coacervation from natural soaps, are promising vehicles due to their specific lipid matrix composition and the unsaponifiable fraction, endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and thus suitable for restoring the neurovascular unit function. In this experimental work, such green solid lipid nanoparticles, fully characterized from a physico-chemical standpoint, were loaded with a drug combination suitable for reverting hydrocephalus symptoms, allowing us to obtain a non-toxic formulation, a reduction in the production of the cerebrospinal fluid in vitro, and a vasoprotective effect on an isolated vessel model. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of fluorescently labelled nanoparticles were also tested in animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous studies have shown possible choroid plexus (CP) dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and highlighted CP enlargement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a predictive factor of AD. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between CP volume (CPV) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this large elderly population study, we investigated the changes in CPV in patients with MCI using MRI above 65 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2144 participants (median age, 69 years; 60.9% females) who underwent 3T MRI; they were grouped as 218 MCI participants and 1904 cognitively healthy controls. The total intracranial volume (ICV), total brain volume (TBV), CPV, hippocampal volume (HV), and lateral ventricle volume (LVV) were calculated. Results: CPV/ICV was a significant independent predictor of MCI (p < 0.01) after adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and education level). The CPV/ICV ratio was also a significant independent predictor of MCI after adjusting for the TBV/ICV ratio (p = 0.022) or HV/ICV ratio (p = 0.017), in addition to potential confounders. The CPV was significantly correlated with the LVV (r = 0.97, p < 0.01). Conclusion: We identified a relationship between CPV and MCI, which could not be explained by the degree of brain atrophy. Our results support CP dysfunction in MCI. Clinical relevance statement: Choroid plexus volume measurement may serve as a valuable imaging biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring mild cognitive impairment. The enlargement of the choroid plexus, independent of brain atrophy, suggests its potential role in mild cognitive impairment pathology. Key Points: • The study examines choroid plexus volume in relation to cognitive decline in elderly. • Enlarged choroid plexus volume independently indicates mild cognitive impairment presence. • Choroid plexus volume could be a specific biomarker for early mild cognitive impairment diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a case of a glioneuronal tumor with ATRX alteration, kinase fusion, and anaplastic features (GTAKA) in an adolescent patient. The tumor initially presented as a supratentorial ependymoma but rapidly disseminated to the leptomeninges within three months of surgery. The tumor exhibited specific genetic and epigenetic features of GTAKA, including loss of ATRX expression, a ZMIZ1::RET fusion, and a DNA methylation signature consistent with GTAKA. The case adds to the limited literature on this rare group of tumors and highlights the need for further research on their biological behavior and treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

The choroid plexus (CP) is an anatomical interface located between the circulation and the brain that senses, integrates, and relays information between these two compartments. The information shared through this molecular and cellular crosstalk is central to brain nutrition, neuronal and synaptic function, waste clearance, protection from exogenous threats, and immune surveillance. In aging and chronic neurodegeneration, imbalance of immune signals at the CP is linked to the deterioration of its checkpoint properties. We suggest that targeting specific arms of systemic immunity would help restore a correct immune balance. The CP is a highly metabolically active organ, and some of its metabolic activities may have anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, targeting key molecular components regulating CP metabolism could restore a healthy immune milieu at the CP, thereby preserving brain function. The brain's choroid plexus (CP), which operates as an anatomical and functional 'checkpoint', regulates the communication between brain and periphery and contributes to the maintenance of healthy brain homeostasis throughout life. Evidence from mouse models and humans reveals a link between loss of CP checkpoint properties and dysregulation of the CP immune milieu as a conserved feature across diverse neurological conditions. In particular, we suggest that an imbalance between different immune signals at the CP, including CD4+ T cell-derived cytokines, type-I interferon, and complement components, can perpetuate brain inflammation and cognitive deterioration in aging and neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we highlight the role of CP metabolism in controlling CP inflammation, and propose that targeting molecules that regulate CP metabolism could be effective in safeguarding brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptomeninges, consisting of the pia mater and arachnoid, form a connective tissue investment and barrier enclosure of the brain. The exact nature of leptomeningeal cells has long been debated. In this study, we identify five molecularly distinct fibroblast-like transcriptomes in cerebral leptomeninges; link them to anatomically distinct cell types of the pia, inner arachnoid, outer arachnoid barrier, and dural border layer; and contrast them to a sixth fibroblast-like transcriptome present in the choroid plexus and median eminence. Newly identified transcriptional markers enabled molecular characterization of cell types responsible for adherence of arachnoid layers to one another and for the arachnoid barrier. These markers also proved useful in identifying the molecular features of leptomeningeal development, injury, and repair that were preserved or changed after traumatic brain injury. Together, the findings highlight the value of identifying fibroblast transcriptional subsets and their cellular locations toward advancing the understanding of leptomeningeal physiology and pathology.

Abstract Background Using neuroimaging techniques, growing evidence has suggested that the choroid plexus (CP) volume is enlarged in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Notably, the CP has been suggested to play an important role in inflammation-induced CNS damage under disease conditions. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the relationships between peripheral inflammation and CP volume in sporadic ALS patients. Thus, in this study, we aimed to verify CP enlargement and explore its association with peripheral inflammation in vivo in independent ALS cohorts. Methods Based on structural MRI data, CP volume was measured using Gaussian mixture models and further manually corrected in two independent cohorts of sporadic ALS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Serum inflammatory protein levels were measured using a novel high-sensitivity Olink proximity extension assay (PEA) technique. Xtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was used to explore the contribution of peripheral inflammatory factors to CP enlargement. Then, partial correlation analyses were performed. Results CP volumes were significantly higher in ALS patients than in HCs in the independent cohorts. Compared with HCs, serum levels of CRP, IL-6, CXCL10, and 35 other inflammatory factors were significantly increased in ALS patients. Using the XGBoost approach, we established a model-based importance of features, and the top three predictors of CP volume in ALS patients were CRP, IL-6, and CXCL10 (with gains of 0.24, 0.18, and 0.15, respectively). Correlation analyses revealed that CRP, IL-6, and CXCL10 were significantly associated with CP volume in ALS patients (r = 0.462 ∼ 0.636, p

The choroid plexus (ChP) serves as the principal origin of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF hypersecretion due to ChP inflammation has emerged as an important pathogenesis of hydrocephalus recently. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of ChP inflammation and the ensuing CSF hypersecretion in hydrocephalus remain ill-defined. In the present study, we elucidate the critical role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of ChP inflammation. Specifically, we identify the chemokine CCL2, released by ChP epithelial cells, recruits CCR2+ monocytes to the ChP thereby inciting hydrocephalus pathogenesis. The accumulated ChP macrophages increase the inflammation in ChP epithelial cells through TNF-α/TNFR1/NF-κB signaling cascade, thereby leading to CSF hypersecretion. Strikingly, augmentation of ChP‒CCL2 using an adeno-associated viral approach (AAV) exacerbates macrophage recruitment, activation, and ventriculomegaly in rat PHH models. Systemic application of Bindarit, a specific CCL2 inhibitor, significantly inhibits ChP macrophage infiltration and activation and reduces CSF secretion rate. Furthermore, the administration of CCR2 antagonist (INCB 3284) reduces ChP macrophage accumulation and ventriculomegaly. This study not only unveils the ChP CCL2‒CCR2 signaling in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus but also unveils Bindarit as a promising therapeutic choice for the management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.

Abstract Background The choroid plexus (CP) is an understudied tissue in the central nervous system and is primarily implicated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. CP also produces numerous neurotrophic factors (NTF) which circulate to different brain regions. Regulation of NTFs in the CP during natural aging is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the age and gender-specific transcription of NTFs along with the changes in the tight junctional proteins (TJPs) and the water channel protein Aquaporin (AQP1). Methods Male and female mice were used for our study. Age-related transcriptional changes were analyzed using quantitative PCR at three different time points: mature adult, middle-aged, and aged. Transcriptional changes during aging were further confirmed with digital droplet PCR. Additionally, we used immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) for the evaluation of in vivo protein expression. We further investigated the cellular phenotype of these NTFS, TJP, and water channel proteins in the mouse CP by co-labeling them with the classical vascular marker, Isolectin B4, and epithelial cell marker, Plectin. Results Aging significantly altered NTF gene expression in the CP. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Midkine (MDK), VGF, Insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), IGF2, Klotho (KL), Erythropoietin (EPO), and its receptor (EPOR) were reduced in the aged CP of males and females. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcription was gender-specific; in males, gene expression was unchanged in the aged CP, while females showed an age-dependent reduction. Age-dependent changes in VEGF localization were evident, from vasculature to epithelial cells. IGF2 and klotho localized in the basolateral membrane of the CP and showed an age-dependent reduction in epithelial cells. Water channel protein AQP1 localized in the tip of epithelial cells and showed an age-related reduction in mRNA and protein levels. TJP’s JAM, CLAUDIN1, CLAUDIN2 and CLAUDIN5 were reduced in aged mice. Conclusions Our study highlights transcriptional level changes in the CP during aging. The age-related transcriptional changes exhibit similarities as well as gene-specific differences in the CP of males and females. Altered transcription of the water channel protein AQP1 and TJPs could be involved in reduced CSF production during aging. Importantly, reduction in the neurotrophic factors and longevity factor Klotho can play a role in regulating brain aging. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal meningitis responsible for a substantial cause of death and disability worldwide. The vast majority of GBS neonatal meningitis cases are due to the CC17 hypervirulent clone. However, the cellular and molecular pathways involved in brain invasion by GBS CC17 isolates remain largely elusive. Here, we studied the specific interaction of the CC17 clone with the choroid plexus, the main component of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. Methods The interaction of GBS CC17 or non-CC17 strains with choroid plexus cells was studied using an in vivo mouse model of meningitis and in vitro models of primary and transformed rodent choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPEC and Z310). In vivo interaction of GBS with the choroid plexus was assessed by microscopy. Bacterial invasion and cell barrier penetration were examined in vitro, as well as chemokines and cytokines in response to infection. Results GBS CC17 was found associated with the choroid plexus of the lateral, 3rd and 4th ventricles. Infection of choroid plexus epithelial cells revealed an efficient internalization of the bacteria into the cells with GBS CC17 displaying a greater ability to invade these cells than a non-CC17 strain. Internalization of the GBS CC17 strain involved the CC17-specific HvgA adhesin and occurred via a clathrin-dependent mechanism leading to transcellular transcytosis across the choroid plexus epithelial monolayer. CPEC infection resulted in the secretion of several chemokines, including CCL2, CCL3, CCL20, CX3CL1, and the matrix metalloproteinase MMP3, as well as immune cell infiltration. Conclusion Our findings reveal a GBS strain-specific ability to infect the blood-CSF barrier, which appears to be an important site of bacterial entry and an active site of immune cell trafficking in response to infection.

The choroid plexus is the secretory tissue responsible for cerebrospinal fluid production in the brain. Ischemia of the choroid plexus is rare because of its abundant blood supply from multiple arterial systems, including the anterior and posterior choroidal arterial anastomoses. It is not clear under what circumstances isolated choroid plexus infarction occurs. A 56-year-old woman presented to our hospital after experiencing several episodes of paroxysmal dizziness and weakness in her right upper extremity that lasted several hours. She had a 10-year history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia, which were very poorly controlled. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed isolated right choroid plexus infarction. Magnetic resonance angiography showed severe stenosis of the cavernous portion of the right internal carotid artery, occlusion of the distal portion of the right posterior cerebral artery, and occlusion of the contralateral left internal carotid artery. Thus, we hypothesized that isolated choroid plexus infarction was caused by ischemia due to both atherosclerotic changes in large vessels spanning multiple vasculatures and microangiopathy around the choroid plexus due to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. In choroid plexus infarction, both occlusive changes in multiple large vessels and microangiopathy may be involved, and the underlying cause of these changes should be thoroughly investigated. Although choroid plexus infarction may not be significant neurologically, it may shed light on further pathogenesis in this complex structure.

Brain tissue requires high amounts of copper (Cu) for its key physiological processes, such as energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, maturation of neuropeptides, myelination, synaptic plasticity, and radical scavenging. The requirements for Cu in the brain vary depending on specific brain regions, cell types, organism age, and nutritional status. Cu imbalances cause or contribute to several life-threatening neurologic disorders including Menkes disease, Wilson disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and others. Despite the well-established role of Cu homeostasis in brain development and function, the mechanisms that govern Cu delivery to the brain are not well defined. This review summarizes available information on Cu transfer through the brain barriers and discusses issues that require further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Structural and functional changes of the choroid plexus (ChP) have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nonetheless, the role of the ChP in the pathogenesis of AD remains largely unknown. We aim to unravel the relation between ChP functioning and core AD pathogenesis using a unique proteomic approach in mice and humans. Methods We used an APP knock-in mouse model, APPNL-G-F, exhibiting amyloid pathology, to study the association between AD brain pathology and protein changes in mouse ChP tissue and CSF using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Mouse proteomes were investigated at the age of 7 weeks (n = 5) and 40 weeks (n = 5). Results were compared with previously published human AD CSF proteomic data (n = 496) to identify key proteins and pathways associated with ChP changes in AD. Results ChP tissue proteome was dysregulated in APPNL-G-F mice relative to wild-type mice at both 7 and 40 weeks. At both ages, ChP tissue proteomic changes were associated with epithelial cells, mitochondria, protein modification, extracellular matrix and lipids. Nonetheless, some ChP tissue proteomic changes were different across the disease trajectory; pathways related to lysosomal function, endocytosis, protein formation, actin and complement were uniquely dysregulated at 7 weeks, while pathways associated with nervous system, immune system, protein degradation and vascular system were uniquely dysregulated at 40 weeks. CSF proteomics in both mice and humans showed similar ChP-related dysregulated pathways. Conclusions Together, our findings support the hypothesis of ChP dysfunction in AD. These ChP changes were related to amyloid pathology. Therefore, the ChP could become a novel promising therapeutic target for AD.

Abstract Background The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), primarily generated by the choroid plexus (ChP), is the major carrier of the glymphatic system. The alternations of CSF production and the ChP can be associated with the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The present work investigated the roles of the ChP in the AD based on a proposed ChP image segmentation pipeline. Methods A human-in-the-loop ChP image segmentation pipeline was implemented with intermediate and active learning datasets. The performance of the proposed pipeline was evaluated on manual contours by five radiologists, compared to the FreeSurfer and FastSurfer toolboxes. The ChP volume and blood flow were investigated among AD groups. The correlations between the ChP volume and AD CSF biomarkers including phosphorylated tau (p-tau), total tau (t-tau), amyloid-β42 (Aβ42), and amyloid-β40 (Aβ40) was investigated using three models (univariate, multiple variables, and stepwise regression) on two datasets with 806 and 320 subjects. Results The proposed ChP segmentation pipeline achieved superior performance with a Dice coefficient of 0.620 on the test dataset, compared to the FreeSurfer (0.342) and FastSurfer (0.371). Significantly larger volumes (p

Abstract Background Enlarged choroid plexus (ChP) volume has been reported in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and inversely correlated with cognitive performance. However, its clinical diagnostic and predictive value, and mechanisms by which ChP impacts the AD continuum remain unclear. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled 607 participants [healthy control (HC): 110, mild cognitive impairment (MCI): 269, AD dementia: 228] from the Chinese Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle study between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Of the 497 patients on the AD continuum, 138 underwent lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hallmark testing. The relationships between ChP volume and CSF pathological hallmarks (Aβ42, Aβ40, Aβ42/40, tTau, and pTau181), neuropsychological tests [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores], and multimodal neuroimaging measures [gray matter volume, cortical thickness, and corrected cerebral blood flow (cCBF)] were analyzed using partial Spearman’s correlation. The mediating effects of four neuroimaging measures [ChP volume, hippocampal volume, lateral ventricular volume (LVV), and entorhinal cortical thickness (ECT)] on the relationship between CSF hallmarks and neuropsychological tests were examined. The ability of the four neuroimaging measures to identify cerebral Aβ42 changes or differentiate among patients with AD dementia, MCI and HCs was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and their associations with neuropsychological test scores at baseline were evaluated by linear regression. Longitudinal associations between the rate of change in the four neuroimaging measures and neuropsychological tests scores were evaluated on the AD continuum using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Results The participants’ mean age was 65.99 ± 8.79 years. Patients with AD dementia exhibited the largest baseline ChP volume than the other groups (P

Abstract Choroid plexus (ChP), the brain structure primarily responsible for cerebrospinal fluid production, contains a robust circadian clock, whose role remains to be elucidated. The aim of our study was to [1] identify rhythmically controlled cellular processes in the mouse ChP and [2] assess the role and nature of signals derived from the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) that control ChP rhythms. To accomplish this goal, we used various mouse models (WT, mPer2 Luc , ChP-specific Bmal1 knockout) and combined multiple experimental approaches, including surgical lesion of the SCN (SCNx), time-resolved transcriptomics, and single cell luminescence microscopy. In ChP of control (Ctrl) mice collected every 4 h over 2 circadian cycles in darkness, we found that the ChP clock regulates many processes, including the cerebrospinal fluid circadian secretome, precisely times endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and controls genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia). In ChP of SCNx mice, the rhythmicity detected in vivo and ex vivo was severely dampened to a comparable extent as in mice with ChP-specific Bmal1 knockout, and the dampened cellular rhythms were restored by daily injections of dexamethasone in mice. Our data demonstrate that the ChP clock controls tissue-specific gene expression and is strongly dependent on the presence of a functional connection with the SCN. The results may contribute to the search for a novel link between ChP clock disruption and impaired brain health.

Background: The significant role of embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (eCSF) in the initial stages of brain development has been thoroughly studied. This fluid contains crucial molecules for proper brain development such as members of the Wnt and FGF families, apolipoproteins, and retinol binding protein. Nevertheless, the source of these molecules remains uncertain since they are present before the formation of the choroid plexus, which is conventionally known as the primary producer of cerebrospinal fluid. The subcommissural organ (SCO) is a highly conserved gland located in the diencephalon and is one of the earliest differentiating brain structures. The SCO secretes molecules into the eCSF, prior to the differentiation of the choroid plexus, playing a pivotal role in the homeostasis and dynamics of this fluid. One of the key molecules secreted by the SCO is SCO-spondin, a protein involved in maintenance of the normal ventricle size, straight spinal axis, neurogenesis, and axonal guidance. Furthermore, SCO secretes transthyretin and basic fibroblast growth factor 2, while other identified molecules in the eCSF could potentially be secreted by the SCO. Additionally, various transcription factors have been identified in the SCO. However, the precise mechanisms involved in the early SCO development are not fully understood. Results: To uncover key molecular players and signaling pathways involved in the role of the SCO during brain development, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis comparing the embryonic chick SCO at HH23 and HH30 stages (4 and 7 days respectively). Additionally, a public transcriptomic data from HH30 entire chick brain was used to compare expression levels between SCO and whole brain transcriptome. These analyses revealed that, at both stages, the SCO differentially expresses several members of bone morphogenic proteins, Wnt and fibroblast growth factors families, diverse proteins involved in axonal guidance, neurogenic and differentiative molecules, cell receptors and transcription factors. The secretory pathway is particularly upregulated at stage HH30 while the proliferative pathway is increased at stage HH23. Conclusion: The results suggest that the SCO has the capacity to secrete several morphogenic molecules to the eCSF prior to the development of other structures, such as the choroid plexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human polyomavirus JCPyV is an opportunistic pathogen that infects greater than 60% of the world's population. The virus establishes a persistent and asymptomatic infection in the urogenital system but can cause a fatal demyelinating disease in immunosuppressed or immunomodulated patients following invasion of the CNS. The mechanisms responsible for JCPyV invasion into CNS tissues are not known but direct invasion from the blood to the cerebral spinal fluid via the choroid plexus has been hypothesized. To study the potential of the choroid plexus as a site of neuroinvasion, we used an adult human choroid plexus epithelial cell line to model the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (B-CSF) barrier in a transwell system. We found that these cells formed a highly restrictive barrier to virus penetration either as free virus or as virus associated with extracellular vesicles (EVJC+). The restriction was not absolute and small amounts of virus or EVJC+ penetrated and were able to establish foci of infection in primary astrocytes. Disruption of the barrier with capsaicin did not increase virus or EVJC+ penetration leading us to hypothesize that virus and EVJC+ were highly cell-associated and crossed the barrier by an active process. An inhibitor of macropinocytosis increased virus penetration from the basolateral (blood side) to the apical side (CSF side). In contrast, inhibitors of clathrin and raft dependent transcytosis reduced virus transport from the basolateral to the apical side of the barrier. None of the drugs inhibited apical to basolateral transport suggesting directionality. Pretreatment with cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP multidrug resistance transporters, restored viral penetration in cells treated with raft and clathrin dependent transcytosis inhibitors. Because choroid plexus epithelial cells are known to be susceptible to JCPyV infection both in vitro and in vivo we also examined the release of infectious virus from the barrier. We found that virus was preferentially released from the cells into the apical (CSF) chamber. These data show clearly that there are two mechanisms of penetration, direct transcytosis which is capable of seeding the CSF with small amounts of virus, and infection followed by directional release of infectious virions into the CSF compartment. Author summary: In patients with compromised immune systems due to underlying immunosuppressive diseases or due to treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, JC virus (JCPyV) invades the brain and causes a rapidly progressing and often fatal demyelinating disease known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The brain is protected from invading pathogens by two major barriers, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). The BCSFB is composed of choroid plexus epithelial cells that are directly exposed to the blood. The epithelial cells in the choroid plexus are held together by tight junctions that limit and regulate the movement of molecules and cells from the blood to the cerebral spinal fluid. In this paper we used an established adult choroid plexus epithelial cell line to model the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and found that it was highly restrictive of virus penetration. The restriction was not absolute and small amounts of virus penetrated and established infection in underlying human glial cells. We also show a second mechanism of virus invasion involving direct infection of choroid plexus epithelial cells by JCPyV and directional release of infectious virions across the barrier. Both mechanisms likely contribute to the neuroinvasiveness of JCPyV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), primarily generated by the choroid plexus (ChP), is the major carrier of the glymphatic system. The alternations of CSF production and the ChP can be associated with the Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present work investigated the roles of the ChP in the AD based on a proposed ChP image segmentation pipeline. Methods: A human-in-the-loop ChP image segmentation pipeline was implemented with intermediate and active learning datasets. The performance of the proposed pipeline was evaluated on manual contours by five radiologists, compared to the FreeSurfer and FastSurfer toolboxes. The ChP volume and blood flow were investigated among AD groups. The correlations between the ChP volume and AD CSF biomarkers including phosphorylated tau (p-tau), total tau (t-tau), amyloid-β42 (Aβ42), and amyloid-β40 (Aβ40) was investigated using three models (univariate, multiple variables, and stepwise regression) on two datasets with 806 and 320 subjects. Results: The proposed ChP segmentation pipeline achieved superior performance with a Dice coefficient of 0.620 on the test dataset, compared to the FreeSurfer (0.342) and FastSurfer (0.371). Significantly larger volumes (p < 0.001) and higher perfusion (p = 0.032) at the ChP were found in AD compared to CN groups. Significant correlations were found between the tau and the relative ChP volume (the ChP volume and ChP/parenchyma ratio) in each patient groups and in the univariate regression analysis (p < 0.001), the multiple regression model (p < 0.05 except for the t-tau in the LMCI), and in the step-wise regression model (p < 0.021). In addition, the correlation coefficients changed from − 0.32 to − 0.21 along with the AD progression in the multiple regression model. In contrast, the Aβ42 and Aβ40 shows consistent and significant associations with the lateral ventricle related measures in the step-wise regression model (p < 0.027). Conclusions: The proposed pipeline provided accurate ChP segmentation which revealed the associations between the ChP and tau level in the AD. The proposed pipeline is available on GitHub (https://github.com/princeleeee/ChP-Seg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain's neuroreparative capacity after injuries such as ischemic stroke is partly contained in the brain's neurogenic niches, primarily the subventricular zone (SVZ), which lies in close contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced by the choroid plexus (ChP). Despite the wide range of their proposed functions, the ChP/CSF remain among the most understudied compartments of the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we report a mouse genetic tool (the ROSA26iDTR mouse line) for noninvasive, specific, and temporally controllable ablation of CSF-producing ChP epithelial cells to assess the roles of the ChP and CSF in brain homeostasis and injury. Using this model, we demonstrate that ChP ablation causes rapid and permanent CSF volume loss in both aged and young adult brains, accompanied by disruption of ependymal cilia bundles. Surprisingly, ChP ablation did not result in overt neurological deficits at 1 mo postablation. However, we observed a pronounced decrease in the pool of SVZ neuroblasts (NBs) following ChP ablation, which occurs due to their enhanced migration into the olfactory bulb. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischemic stroke, NB migration into the lesion site was also reduced in the CSF-depleted mice. Thus, our study establishes an important role of ChP/CSF in regulating the regenerative capacity of the adult brain under normal conditions and after ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enlarged choroid plexus (ChP) volume has been reported in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and inversely correlated with cognitive performance. However, its clinical diagnostic and predictive value, and mechanisms by which ChP impacts the AD continuum remain unclear. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 607 participants [healthy control (HC): 110, mild cognitive impairment (MCI): 269, AD dementia: 228] from the Chinese Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle study between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Of the 497 patients on the AD continuum, 138 underwent lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hallmark testing. The relationships between ChP volume and CSF pathological hallmarks (Aβ42, Aβ40, Aβ42/40, tTau, and pTau181), neuropsychological tests [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores], and multimodal neuroimaging measures [gray matter volume, cortical thickness, and corrected cerebral blood flow (cCBF)] were analyzed using partial Spearman's correlation. The mediating effects of four neuroimaging measures [ChP volume, hippocampal volume, lateral ventricular volume (LVV), and entorhinal cortical thickness (ECT)] on the relationship between CSF hallmarks and neuropsychological tests were examined. The ability of the four neuroimaging measures to identify cerebral Aβ42 changes or differentiate among patients with AD dementia, MCI and HCs was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and their associations with neuropsychological test scores at baseline were evaluated by linear regression. Longitudinal associations between the rate of change in the four neuroimaging measures and neuropsychological tests scores were evaluated on the AD continuum using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Results: The participants' mean age was 65.99 ± 8.79 years. Patients with AD dementia exhibited the largest baseline ChP volume than the other groups (P < 0.05). ChP volume enlargement correlated with decreased Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels; lower MMSE and MoCA and higher NPI and ADL scores; and lower volume, cortical thickness, and cCBF in other cognition-related regions (all P < 0.05). ChP volume mediated the association of Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels with MMSE scores (19.08% and 36.57%), and Aβ42 levels mediated the association of ChP volume and MMSE or MoCA scores (39.49% and 34.36%). ChP volume alone better identified cerebral Aβ42 changes than LVV alone (AUC = 0.81 vs. 0.67, P = 0.04) and EC thickness alone (AUC = 0.81 vs.0.63, P = 0.01) and better differentiated patients with MCI from HCs than hippocampal volume alone (AUC = 0.85 vs. 0.81, P = 0.01), and LVV alone (AUC = 0.85 vs.0.82, P = 0.03). Combined ChP and hippocampal volumes significantly increased the ability to differentiate cerebral Aβ42 changes and patients among AD dementia, MCI, and HCs groups compared with hippocampal volume alone (all P < 0.05). After correcting for age, sex, years of education, APOE ε4 status, eTIV, and hippocampal volume, ChP volume was associated with MMSE, MoCA, NPI, and ADL score at baseline, and rapid ChP volume enlargement was associated with faster deterioration in NPI scores with an average follow-up of 10.03 ± 4.45 months (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: ChP volume may be a novel neuroimaging marker associated with neurodegenerative changes and clinical AD manifestations. It could better detect the early stages of the AD and predict prognosis, and significantly enhance the differential diagnostic ability of hippocampus on the AD continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased choroid plexus (CP) volume has been recently implicated as a potential predictor of worse multiple sclerosis (MS) outcomes. The biomarker signature of CP changes in MS are currently unknown. To determine the blood-based biomarker characteristics of the cross-sectional and longitudinal MRI-based CP changes in a heterogeneous group of people with MS (pwMS), a total of 202 pwMS (148 pwRRMS and 54 pwPMS) underwent MRI examination at baseline and at a 5-year follow-up. The CP was automatically segmented and subsequently refined manually in order to obtain a normalized CP volume. Serum samples were collected at both timepoints, and the concentration of 21 protein measures relevant to MS pathophysiology were determined using the Olink™ platform. Age-, sex-, and BMI-adjusted linear regression models explored the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between MRI CP outcomes and blood-based biomarkers. At baseline, there were no significant proteomic predictors of CP volume, while at follow-up, greater CP volume was significantly associated with higher neurofilament light chain levels, NfL (standardized β = 0.373, p = 0.001), and lower osteopontin levels (standardized β = −0.23, p = 0.02). Higher baseline GFAP and lower FLRT2 levels were associated with future 5-year CP % volume expansion (standardized β = 0.277, p = 0.004 and standardized β = −0.226, p = 0.014, respectively). The CP volume in pwMS is associated with inflammatory blood-based biomarkers of neuronal injury (neurofilament light chain; NfL) and glial activation such as GFAP, osteopontin, and FLRT2. The expansion of the CP may play a central role in chronic and compartmentalized inflammation and may be driven by glial changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alcohol exposure may cause hydrocephalus, but the effect of vaporized nasal alcohol exposure on the choroid plexus, and ependymal cells, and the relationship between alcohol exposure and developing hydrocephalus are not well known. This subject was investigated. Methods Twenty-four male (∼380 g) Wistar rats were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups, as the control, sham and study groups. The study group was further divided into two groups as the group exposed to low or high dose of alcohol. The choroid plexuses and intraventricular ependymal cells and ventricle volumes were assessed and compared statistically. Results Degenerated epithelial cell density of 22 ± 5, 56 ± 11, 175 ± 37, and 356 ± 85/mm3 was found in the control, sham, low alcohol exposure, and high alcohol exposure groups, respectively. The Evans index was <34% in the control group, >36% in the sham group, >40% in the group exposed to low alcohol dose (low-dose alcohol group), and >50% in the group exposed to high dose of alcohol (high-dose alcohol group). Conclusions It was found that alcohol exposure caused choroid plexus and ependymal cell degeneration with ciliopathy and enlarged lateral ventricles or hydrocephalus. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, our findings are functionally important, because alcohol has often been used for hygiene and prevention of transmission of the Sars-Cov-2-virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]