N-(3,5-Dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS), an experimental agricultural fungicide, has been shown to produce selective nephrotoxicity in rats. Previous studies have shown that a metabolite(s) of extrarenal origin contributes to acute NDPS-induced nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine if the organic acid transport inhibitor probenecid could modify the renal toxicity produced by NDPS administration. Male Fischer 344 rats were administered a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of probenecid (60, 90 and 120 mg/kg) or 0.9% saline (1.0 ml/kg) followed 30 min later by NDPS (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg, i.p.) or sesame oil (2.5 ml/kg, i.p.) Renal function was monitored at 24 h and 48 h. Probenecid (60 mg/kg) did not markedly alter NDPS-induced renal effects on either post-treatment day. However, pretreatment with probenecid (90 or 120 mg/kg) blocked or attenuated the diuresis, increased proteinuria, decreased tetraethylammonium (TEA), uptake, elevation in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and increased kidney weight produced by NDPS (0.4 mmol/kg) administration. Only increased kidney weight and BUN concentration, and decreased lactate-stimulated p-aminohippurate (PAH) uptake were altered by probenecid (120 mg/kg) pretreatment when NDPS (1.0 mmol/kg) was given. NDPS-induced changes in renal morphology were not prevented by pretreatment with any probenecid dose. These results suggest that at least one nephrotoxic metabolite of NDPS is an organic acid. However, this acidic metabolite might not be the major nephrotoxic metabolite or a precursor to the major nephrotoxic metabolite(s). The identity of these metabolites remains to be determined.