['Many aspects of CSF dynamics are poorly understood due to the difficulties involved in quantification and visualization. In particular, there is debate surrounding the route of CSF drainage. Our aim was to quantify CSF flow, volume, and drainage route dynamics in vivo in young and aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) using a novel contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) method.', 'ICP was recorded in young (2-5 months) and aged (16\xa0months) SHR. Contrast was administered into the lateral ventricles bilaterally and sequential CT imaging was used to visualize the entire intracranial CSF system and CSF drainage routes. A customized contrast decay software module was used to quantify CSF flow at multiple locations.', 'ICP was significantly higher in aged rats than in young rats (11.52\u2009±\u20092.36\xa0mmHg, versus 7.04\u2009±\u20092.89\xa0mmHg, p\u2009=\u20090.03). Contrast was observed throughout the entire intracranial CSF system and was seen to enter the spinal canal and cross the cribriform plate into the olfactory mucosa within 9.1\u2009±\u20096.1 and 22.2\u2009±\u20097.1\xa0minutes, respectively. No contrast was observed adjacent to the sagittal sinus. There were no significant differences between young and aged rats in either contrast distribution times or CSF flow rates. Mean flow rates (combined young and aged) were 3.0\u2009±\u20091.5\xa0μL/min at the cerebral aqueduct; 3.5\u2009±\u20091.4\xa0μL/min at the 3rd ventricle; and 2.8\u2009±\u20090.9\xa0μL/min at the 4th ventricle. Intracranial CSF volumes (and as percentage total brain volume) were 204\u2009±\u200997\xa0μL (8.8\u2009±\u20094.3%) in the young and 275\u2009±\u200935\xa0μL (10.8\u2009±\u20091.9%) in the aged animals (NS).'] Is cerebrospinal fluid drained primarily via the spinal canal and olfactory route in young and aged spontaneously hypertensive rats?