Cerebrospinal Fluid Absorption

Abstract

WHEN NEWLY formed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is prevented from reaching the subarachnoid space and its normal extraventricular absorption sites, it is still being removed from the ventricular system. With continuous CSF production, an alternate mechanism for the absorption of CSF must therefore be assumed. Otherwise, accumulation of CSF would lead to rapid death due to marked elevation of intraventricular pressure. The mechanism by which CSF is capable of being removed from the isolated ventricles in naturally occurring noncommunicating hydrocephalus or under experimental conditions is as yet unknown. Some factors instrumental to the absorption of fluid must include increased intraventricular pressure, a larger ventricular surface area, channels available for flow of fluid from the ventricles to the blood, and a relationship between ventricular pressure and periventricular venous pressure which would favor absorption. A study of transventricular flow of CSF has been made possible with the development of perfusion methods