Methods are provided for treating acute kidney injury in a subject, particularly ischemia-induced kidney injury and/or hypoxia-induced kidney injury. The methods comprise administering to the subject an ETA receptor antagonist, such as atrasentan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of diagnosing and treating such kidney injuries are also provided. Methods of reducing or preventing loss of kidney function and/or renal mass or volume, and methods of delaying progression to chronic kidney disease are also provided.
