Although cyclosporine (CsA) has been shown to cause decreased renal function in humans, the mechanisms important in cyclosporine nephrotoxicity are not well understood. Investigations of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in animal models have been complicated by systemic toxic effects not seen in humans. In the present study, the direct renal effects of cyclosporine were investigated in the isolated perfused rat kidney (IPRK) model. Cyclosporine delivered by nontoxic liposomes had no effect on IPRK resistance, perfusate flow, inulin clearance, or fractional reabsorption of sodium, despite marked tissue accumulation of CsA (55.1 +/- 7.2 micrograms/g kidney tissue). In contrast, a 63% decrease in inulin clearance was observed following the administration of intravenous cyclosporine (0.1 ml). However, similar changes in IPRK function were seen after the administration of 0.1 ml of the intravenous cyclosporine vehicle, cremophor, suggesting that the alterations in function were secondary to the vehicle. All together, these findings suggest that cyclosporine nephrotoxicity may be secondary to renal innervation, toxic metabolites, or other systemic effects of cyclosporine not present in the IPRK.