Clearance of erythrocytes from the subarachnoid space through cribriform plate lymphatics in female mice.

Background: Atraumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Proposed mechanisms for red blood cell (RBC) clearance from the subarachnoid space (SAS) are erythrolysis, erythrophagocytosis or through efflux along cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage routes. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of RBC clearance from the SAS to identify targetable efflux pathways.

Methods: Autologous fluorescently-labelled RBCs along with PEGylated 40 kDa near-infrared tracer (P40D800) were infused via the cisterna magna (i.c.m.) in female reporter mice for lymphatics or for resident phagocytes. Drainage pathways for RBCs to extracranial lymphatics were evaluated by in vivo and in situ near-infrared imaging and by immunofluorescent staining on decalcified cranial tissue or dural whole-mounts.

Findings: RBCs drained to the deep cervical lymph nodes 15 min post i.c.m. infusion, showing similar dynamics as P40D800 tracer. Postmortem in situ imaging and histology showed perineural accumulations of RBCs around the optic and olfactory nerves. Numerous RBCs cleared through the lymphatics of the cribriform plate, whilst histology showed no relevant fast RBC clearance through dorsal dural lymphatics or by tissue-resident macrophage-mediated phagocytosis.

Interpretation: This study provides evidence for rapid RBC drainage through the cribriform plate lymphatic vessels, whilst neither fast RBC clearance through dorsal dural lymphatics nor through spinal CSF efflux or phagocytosis was observed. Similar dynamics of P40D800 and RBCs imply open pathways for clearance that do not impose a barrier for RBCs. This finding suggests further evaluation of the cribriform plate lymphatic function and potential pharmacological targeting in models of SAH.

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation (310030_189226), SwissHeart (FF191155).