Marker enzyme activities of different subcellular fractions were analyzed in cortex homogenates from rat kidney after different periods (15, 30, 60, and 90 min) of warm ischemia. Lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminopeptidase, N-acetyl-β- d-glucosaminidase, and succinate-cytochrome c reductase were not altered by ischemia in these periods. ATPase (2,4-dinitrophenol-stimulated and azide-sensitive), 5′-nucleotidase, K-Mg-nitrophenylphosphatase decline within 30 min of ischemia, whereas the microsomal enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase decreased not before 60 min of ischemia. The early decrease of ATPase and of plasma membrane enzymes can be regarded as a consequence of membrane alterations. This enzymatic approach may be helpful to evaluate pharmacological agents for preventing and reserving ischemic effects in kidneys in a rational manner.