Glycerol acute renal failure (ARF) was examined to see if it alters theophylline (Th) neurotoxicity in rats. Concentrations of Th in serum, cerebrospinal fluid and in brain at seizure onset were similar in control and ARF rats infused with Th. Thus, glycerol ARF fails to alter Th neurotoxicity, an effect similar to that noted previously with uranyl nitrate but not with ureter ligation. © 1990.