To study the potential nephro-protective role of agomelatine in rat renal tissue in cases of CIN (contrast-induced nephrotoxicity). The drug’s action on the antioxidant system and proinflammatory cytokines, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and gene expression of IL 6, TNF-α and NF-κB were measured. Tubular necrosis and hyaline and haemorrhagic casts were also histopathologically evaluated. The institutional ethics and local animal care committees approved the study. Eight groups of six rats were put on the following drug regimens: Group 1: healthy controls, Group 2: GLY (glycerol), Group 3: CM (contrast media-iohexol 10 ml/kg), Group 4: GLY+CM, Group 5: CM+AGO20 (agomelatine 20 mg/kg), Group 6: GLY+CM+AGO20, Group 7: CM+AGO40 (agomelatine 40 mg/kg), Group 8: GLY+CM+AGO40. The groups were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Duncan multiple comparison test. Agomelatine administration significantly improved the serum levels of BUN and creatinine, SOD activity, GSH and MDA. The use of agomelatine had substantial down-regulatory consequences on TNF-α, NF-κB and IL-6 mRNA levels. Mild to severe hyaline and haemorrhagic casts and tubular necrosis were observed in all groups, except the healthy group. The histopathological scores were better in the agomelatine treatment groups. Agomelatine has nephro-protective effects against CIN in rats. This effect can be attributed to its properties of reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6). Contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN) is one of the most important adverse effects of radiological procedures. Renal failure, diabetes, malignancy, old age and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use possess the patients the risk of CIN. Several clinical studies have investigated ways to avoid CIN. Theophylline/aminophylline, statins, ascorbic acid and iloprost have been suggested. Agomelatine is one of the melatonin ligands and is used for affective disorders has antioxidant features. In this study, we hypothesised that agomelatine could have nephroprotective and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects against CIN in rats.