Objective To investigate the protective effect of carvedilol on renal toxicity induced by cisplatin(CP).Method Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups:saline control group,carvedilol control group,CP group and carvedilol protection group.The rats were killed at 3 to 6 days after drug administration.The kidney tissues were examined by light(HE and PAS staining)and electron microscopy.Results The renal histopathological and ultrastructural damages were markedly alleviated in the carvedilol protection group in comparison with those in the CP group.Conclusion By intragastric administration of carvedilol,obvious protective effect can be achieved on the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.Antioxidation,scanvaging of free radicals,and enhancement of the activities of some antioxidant enzymes may be involved in the mechanisms of action in this process.