Figure 8

Suggested model for interstitial edema pathophysiology. The edema build-up phase results from high BBB permeability while AQP4 expression is not yet highly upregulated, resulting in insufficient routes for water elimination. After the time lag of AQP4 expression, edema resolution results from the conjunction of BBB restoration and subsequent significant AQP4 upregulation over the entire astrocyte membrane. Transition phases likely exist between the two extremes.