Delayed graft function (DGF), a frequent complication after kidney transplantation, decreases graft survival. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries play a major role in DGF pathophysiology. Because ischemic postconditioning (IP) is efficient to prevent myocardial I/R injuries and reduce infarct size, we sought to describe renal effects of IP.Swiss mice were divided into three groups after left nephrectomy. Thirty minutes of right kidney ischemia followed by three cycles of 30 seconds of ischemia and reperfusion (IP group: n = 12) versus immediate reperfusion (n = 7). Left nephrectomized and right kidney sham operated mice were used as control groups (n = 6). Mice were followed for an 8-day survival analysis. Serum levels of creatinine and protein as well as weights were determined 2 days before and at days 2 and 8 after surgery.IP improved kidney function on day 2; the mean serum creatinine level was 1.25 +/- 0.71 versus 2.9 +/- 1.3 mg/dL in the immediate reperfusion group (P < .02). We also observed a trend toward increased animal survival (25% vs. 0% in the immediate reperfusion group; P = .10). Despite a significant increase in proteinuria among all groups, there was no significant difference.In a mouse model, IP seems to prevent postischemic acute renal failure after 30 minutes of kidney ischemia.