Effects of Stress on the Brain’s Glymphatic System

Abstract

Psychoneuroendocrine immunology is an integrated field that explores the pathways through which psychological experiences influence immune function and how the immune system, in turn, might alter brain function. The glial-lymphatic system regulates fluid balance and waste removal in the central nervous system, which lacks an independent lymphatic system (glymphatic system). We looked for literature on stress, its consequences, and the glymphatic system in PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and other online databases. Work, examinations, physical, and mental stress brought on by sickness, trauma, and other everyday occurrences are just a few examples of situations that might be categorized as “stressful.” The “fight-flight-freeze response” is the name given to the body’s combination of adaptations in reaction to stress. Sleep problems are associated with higher levels of stress. It is plausible to assume that this is the mechanism through which stress affects glymphatic function given that the brain’s waste disposal system has been shown to be active during sleep. Studying whether stress reduction can enhance brain waste removal and the prognosis of illnesses marked by metabolite accumulation is promising.