The search for molecular pathways underlying brain water dys-regulation

Impaired brain fluid homeostasis is observed in patients experiencing stroke, hydrocephalus, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation leads to debilitating, or fatal, elevation in the intracranial pressure (ICP). Nevertheless, medical treatment of elevated ICP is virtually absent, as the molecular mechanisms causing brain fluid accumulation remain unidentified, thus preventing targeted pharmacological intervention. IIH is characterised by raised ICP of unknown cause in obese individuals. The IIH incidence escalates due to the obesity epidemic but currently no efficient treatment exists. Here, we aim to understand the underlying mechanisms involved in brain water and ICP regulation using a novel IIH animal disease model.