The renal disposition of insulin in acute renal failure has not been evaluated. We used the isolated perfused rat kidney to test the hypothesis that acute renal failure (ARF) decreases renal insulin clearance. We used warm ischemia for 45 min, uranyl nitrate 5 mg/kg, ureter ligation, and nonfiltering kidneys as methods of inducing ARF. Comparisons were made with normal control kidneys. The concentrations of insulin in perfusate and urine was determined by radioimmunoassay. Acute renal failure caused significant reductions in glomerular filtration rate, sodium and potassium reabsorption, and an increased urine pH. Warm ischemia and uranyl nitrate toxicity caused a 50% decrease in the renal clearance of insulin. Nonfiltering kidneys cleared insulin at a rate 90% decreased from controls. Ureteral ligation caused a 32% decrease in insulin clearance. Filtration was necessary for insulin to be cleared from perfusate. We conclude that ARF decreased renal insulin clearance through a decrease in insulin uptake from both the tubular lumen and peritubular surface.