Current concepts on mechanisms mediating chemically induced nephrotoxicity are rapidly evolving. This volume is focused on capturing this rapidly growing field by providing a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of renal pathophysiology and toxicology, written by internationally recognized experts in the field. The first section of this volume is designed to provide the reader with the needed background information; including an overview of clinical nephrotoxicity, the anatomy and physiology of the kidney and urinary bladder, renal transport mechanisms, xenobiotic metabolism, and in vivo and in vitro methods used to assess renal toxicity. Our current state of knowledge on the pathophysiology and biochemistry of acute renal failure, renal and urinary bladder carcinogenesis, and immune-mediated renal injury are covered in detail. The role of vasoactive substances, cell adhesion molecules, oxidative stress/antioxidants and membrane changes in composition/fluidity in mediating nephrotoxic, and ischemic renal injury are reviewed and provide the reader with the conceptual framework for understanding key mechanisms of renal injury. In addition, the role of gene expression and growth factors in renal injury and repair are discussed. The response of each of the major segments of the nephron to a toxic insult is discussed in detail; with chapters devoted to mechanisms mediating injury to the glomerulus, proximal tubule, collecting duct and papilla and the tubulointerstitium. Various nephrotoxicants are discussed in detail with an emphasis on pathophysiologic and morphologic effects and mechanisms of toxicity. Wherever possible, the relevance of experimental findings to human exposure is covered.