Reorientation of the alpha 3 subunit of integrins from predominantly basal to the apical cell surface of cultured renal tubular epithelial cells subjected to oxidant stress has previously been demonstrated. The present study was designed to assess functional competence of ectopically expressed apical integrins. Cell-cell adhesion assay revealed enhanced cytoatractant properties of stressed cells. Stressed epithelial cells exhibited specific recognition and binding of laminin-coated latex beads. These processes were inhibited with the peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Asn-Pro (GRGDNP) suggesting a role of RGD-recognizing integrins in augmented adhesion to stressed cells. Given that such enhanced adhesion in in vivo acute renal failure may govern tubular obstruction by desquamated epithelium, a physiological marker of patency of tubular lumen, proximal tubular pressure, was monitored in rats subjected to 60 min of renal ischemia followed by reperfusion. Proximal tubular pressure increased 2-fold after 2 hr of reperfusion in animals that had undergone 60 min of ischemia. Infusion of GRGDNP into the renal artery during reperfusion period virtually abolished an increase in proximal tubular pressure observed in ischemic acute renal failure. These in vitro and in vivo findings are consistent with the hypothesis that RGD-recognizing integrins play an important role in the pathogenesis of tubular obstruction in ischemic acute renal failure.