Cerebrospinal fluid pathways in a murine mutant.

The hy-3/hy-3 mouse is a model of congenital hydrocephalus. The development of the subarachnoid space and extracellular space were studied in normal and hydrocephalic animals. A previous space in the mesenchyme is altered to form the subarachnoid space. Changes in the extracellular space demonstrate that this space is dynamic and acts to compensate for events occurring in the ventricular system. The aqueduct and central spinal canal are also involved in the hydrocephalic process. Change in cerebral vasculature may indicate the processes which lead to irreversibility.