Cilia movement of ependymal cells in the third ventricular surface is inhibited by the administration of methylmercury to mouse

Four cerebral ventricles exist in mammals and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fills the ventricles. Hydrocephalus is induced by overproduction of CSF, defective absorption of CSF, and obstruction of flow. Ependymal cells, a type of glial cell, are simple columnar epithelium cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the ventricular surface of ependymal cells is covered with motile cilia. CSF flows in one direction as all cilia beat in the same direction. This ciliary beating of ependymal cells ensures the constant flow of CSF, playing an important role in not only the maintenance of neuronal function but also the movement of neuroblasts. In addition, it is thought that abnormal ciliary beating function is associated with the development of hydrocephalus [1-4].