Penetration of rifampicin into the brain tissue and cerebral extracellular space of rats

Rifampicin is used to treat neurosurgical shunt infections because of its excellent in-vitro activity against staphylococci and its adequate penetration into the CSF. However, nothing is known about rifampicin concentrations in the cerebral extra-cellular space (CES). We measured the penetration of rifampicin into the CES of anaesthetized rats by microdialysis using low-flow and equilibrium methods. Depending on the method, rifampicin concentrations in the CES were 0.3-1% of the serum concentration or 3-8% of brain tissue concentration, respectively. These experimental data in animals suggest that the recommended dose of rifampicin in man might be inadequate for treatment of some brain infections.