This paper is aimed at evaluating the effect of blood purification on the mitochondrial functions of the kidney in jaundiced rats. At 1, 2, or 3 weeks after bile duct ligation and dissection, obstructive jaundiced rats were utilized for experiment. Cross circulation in 1 ml/min between jaundiced rats and normal rats was performed for 1 or 3 h. Immediately and 24 h after cross circulation, the rats were killed and mitochondrial respiratory functions of the kidney were assessed by measuring oxygen consumption. Mitochondrial function, especially ATP synthesis, showed significant improvement in jaundiced rat with 2 or 3 weeks of biliary obstruction. Cross circulation for 3 h was more effective than that for 1 h. These data suggest that the renal energy production can be increased significantly in obstructive jaundice by blood purification treatment.