Description
Due to their strong similarities to humans across physiologic, developmental, behavioral, immunologic, and genetic levels, nonhuman primates are essential models for a wide spectrum of biomedical research. They can often serve to link the translational research between small animal models and humans. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds both the brain and spinal cord. The primary function of CSF is to cushion the brain and serve as a shock absorber for the central nervous system. In addition, it also circulates nutrients and chemicals filtered from the blood and removes waste products from the brain. Examining the fluid, removed via lumbar puncture, can be useful in diagnosing many neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and neurosarcoidosis