Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a high mortality which is largely determined by the initial cerebral trauma, secondary brain injury or indirectly during a Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS). Therefore, we analyzed IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in plasma with respect to blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in 29 patients suffering from isolated TBI. IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased compared to baseline levels early after trauma in CSF and plasma. In all patients CSF IL-6 and IL-8 were found to be higher than corresponding plasma levels. IL-10 in plasma was significantly increased above control plasma values, however, without a significant difference to the corresponding CSF values. BBB dysfunction was temporary present in 23 patients. Significant correlations between BBB dysfunction and cytokines were not found. Thus, alterations of the BBB seems not to influence the distribution pattern of interleukines in CSF and plasma after trauma.