Cocaine-induced structural and functional impairments of the glymphatic pathway in mice

Cocaine treatment significantly impaired glymphatic function in mice, as indicated by reduced cerebrospinal fluid influx and efflux of interstitial molecules.

• Cocaine exposure resulted in widespread astrogliosis and decreased cerebral blood flow.
• Cerebrovascular pulsatility and aquaporin-4 polarity were significantly reduced following cocaine treatment.
• Impairments in glymphatic function were observed both during repeated exposure and withdrawal periods.
• The study suggests that cocaine may affect the brain's ability to clear extracellular wastes.

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