The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan, which is deacetylated derivative of chitin, on the renal function. Renal dipeptidase (RDPase, membrane dipeptidase, dehydropeptidase 1, EC 3.4.13.19) is glycosyl phosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored ectoenzyme of renal proximal tubular microvilli and was related with renal disease including acute renal failure, pyelitis and nephritis. The released RDPase and Udpase activities were assayed by modified fluorometric method. In vitro experimental groups were consisted of group 1, the concentration ranges of 0, 0.01, 0.05 and $0.1\%$ chitosan only, group 2, the concentration ranges of 1, 2 and 4 mM glycerol only, and group 3, the concentration ranges of 0, 0.01, 0.05 and $0.1\%$ chitosan in the presence of glycerol (4 mM). In vivo experimental groups were consisted of group 1 in which rats were treated with glycerol for the purpose of glycerol-induced renal damage, and group 2 in which rats were treated with chitosan plus glycerol. The RDPase release of 0.01, 0.05, and $0.1\%$ chitosan groups were increased in the concentration dependent manner. The RDPase release of 1, 2, and 4mM glycerol groups were decreased in the concentration dependent manner. Chitosan in the presence of glycerol restored the released RDPase activity in the proximal tubules. In vivo, chitosan inhibited the decrease of RDPase release by glycerol in the kidney and blocked the decrease of Udpase activity by glycerol in urine. These results indicated that chitosan was possible as a functional food to control renal function and its diseases.