An adequate redox status is important for maintaining mitochondrial function in inflammatory conditions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of α-lipoic acid (LA) in kidney oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial function in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (female, 45 ± 5 days old) were treated with LPS (10 mg kg(-1)) and/or LA (100 mg kg(-1)). It was observed in LPS-treated animals that the LA prevented the increase in 1.2 fold of NO production, decreased (30-40%) mitochondrial complex I-III and IV activities, and decreased (26%) membrane potential and cardiolipin oxidation (76%). No differences were observed in mitochondrial O2 consumption, mitochondrial complex II-III activity, and ATP production when LPS group was compared to LA + LPS group. Based on the improvement of mitochondrial function, the decreased production of mitochondrial NO and restoration of cardiolipin levels, this work provides a new evidence that α-lipoic acid protects kidney from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.