Experimental studies have demonstrated that preservation of endogenous Nitric Oxide (NO) bioavailability is reno-protective in response to a variety of injurious stimuli. Endogenous NO activity is increased by administration of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor sildenafil citrate. This is used clinically in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (Viagra®, Pfizer) and more recently, pulmonary hypertension and acute right ventricular failure (Revatio®, Pfizer). We have developed a preclinical swine model of extracorporeal circulation (cardiopulmonary bypass) mediated acute kidney injury that shows significant homology to that which occurs in post cardiac surgery patients. Administration of intravenous sildenafil prevents acute kidney injury in this model in association with an increase in NO bioavailability. There is a recognized clinical need for developing prevention and treatment strategies for AKI and results obtained in this preclinical study indicate that Sildenafil is suitable for further development as a potential prevention strategy for post cardiac surgery AKI.