ObjectiveTo elucidate the effect of tetrandrine on acute ischemic renal injury and its relation with apoptosis.MethodsA model for bilateral post-ischemic renal injury in rats was developed by clamping renal pedicles for 45 min.Renal tissular DNA fragmentation analysis and renal tissular HE staining were used.Also quantitative analysis of apoptosis in injured renal tubular epithelium was carried out by using TdT-mediated dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL).ResultsApoptosis of renal tubular epithelium increased in acute ischemic renal injury.Tetrandrine could remarkably decrease the level of apoptosis in injured renal tubule while protecting renal tissue against the ischemic injuries.ConclusionTetrandrine could adjust the level of apoptosis in renal tubular epithelium and alleviate renal tissular injury.``