YIN Hechun,BAI Ruitong,QI Wenwen,et al.Scalp mechanical stimulation promotes expression of AQP4 and LYVE‑1 proteins in cerebral lymphatic pathway of wild‑type mice[J].Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,2025,59(8):88-95.
YIN Hechun,BAI Ruitong,QI Wenwen,et al.Scalp mechanical stimulation promotes expression of AQP4 and LYVE‑1 proteins in cerebral lymphatic pathway of wild‑type mice[J].Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,2025,59(8):88-95. DOI: 10.16305/j.1007-1334.2025.z20241119007.
Scalp mechanical stimulation promotes expression of AQP4 and LYVE‑1 proteins in cerebral lymphatic pathway of wild‑type mice
To explore the effects of scalp mechanical stimulation (SMS) on aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor-1 (LYVE-1) expression in the cerebral lymphatic pathway of wild-type mice.
Methods
2
Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 1 d-SMS, 7 d-SMS and control group, with 3 mice in each group. Intervention groups received daily 3-min SMS using a customized intelligent comb (0.1~0.2 N, 70~90 strokes/min). Controls underwent identical handling without stimulation. Scalp temperatures was assessed before and after the intervention. The expression of LYVE-1 in meninges and AQP4 in hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Lymphangiogenesis buds and rings were counted. The diameter of dural lymphatic vessels was calculated by ImageJ.
Results
2
Both intervention groups showed elevated meningeal LYVE-1 expression, increased dural lymphatic diameter, and greater lymphangiogenic buds and rings compared to controls. Notably, 1 d-SMS induced significant LYVE-1 upregulation (
P
<
0.05) while 7 d-SMS increased lymphatic loops (
P
<
0.05). Hippocampal AQP4 expression increased in both intervention groups (
P
<
0.05). The 1 d -SMS mainly affected the middle part (
P
<
0.05), while the 7 d-SMS effected both the anterior and middle parts (
P
<
0.05).
Conclusions
2
SMS exhibits duration-dependent modulation of central lymphatic systems: short-term (1 d) primarily enhances dural lymphatics, while prolonged (7 d) stimulation engages glymphatic components. This suggests that SMS may enhance the circulation of the central lymphatic system by promoting neogenesis of dural lymphatic vessels and increasing the expression of AQP4.
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