Background The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 45 min of hepatic ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion on renal oxidative stress parameters, on renal tissue damage, and the role of Desferrioxamin (Dfx) and Q on these parameters. Methods Thirty Wistar albino rats were randomized to five groups. Group I was the control group. Group II received no treatment. Groups III and IV received intramuscular injections of desferrioxamine (100 mg/kg) and quercetin (50 mg/kg), respectively. Group V was administered Dfx and quercetin in combination. After treatment for 3 days, groups II, III, IV, and V were exposed to total hepatic ischemia for 45 min. Plasma alanine aminotransferase levels, renal malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities were measured after reperfusion for 1 h. Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis of renal tissues was carried out. Results Plasma creatinine and BUN levels were markedly increased in the IR group and pretreated groups. Kidney MDA increased in the IR group, Q and Dfx+Q significantly decreased kidney MDA Kidney GSH levels markedly decreased in the IR group, Dfx significantly increased kidney GSH. No evidence of overt injury was observed in any renal tissue under light and electron microscopy. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that 45 min of hepatic ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion may alter renal functions and may cause oxidative stress on renal tissue. Q and Dfx seem to have a beneficial effect via the GSH system and modulation of MDA levels.