In an attempt to dofine the early biochemical determinants that participate in the pathogenesis of glycerol-induced nephrotoxicity, especially focusing on oxygen free radicals and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) activity, we studied 24-hours urine outflow, 24-hours urinary protein excretion and urinary NAG activity after the injection of glycerol and also we studied malondialdehyde(MDA) level and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity in the kidney of rats at 24hr after the injection of glycerol. Sprague-Dawley albino rats weighing 240 to 260 gm were injected intramuscularly with a 50% solution of glycerol(2ml/kg, 4ml/kg and 8ml/kg). The group treated with glycerol showed significantly lower urine outflow level and urinary protein excretion level and higher urinary NAG activity after the injection as compared to those of control group. Also the group treated with glycerol showed significantly higher MDA level and lower SOD activity at 24hr after the injection as compared to those of control group. These results suggest that the excessive oxygen free radicals resulting from the depression of SOD activity is an important determinant in the pathogenesis of glycerol-induced nephrotoxicity and higher urinary NAG activity is an index of renal tubular cell damage in the glycerol-induced nephrotoxicity.