The effect of transient cerebral ischemia (from 15 to 180 min) by bilateral carotid arterial occlusion on postischemic mortality rate and the signs of nervous disorder in Fischer 344 rat was studied. Total mortality rate was 40 to 60% during 72 hr of reperfusion following 2 hr ischemia. Postischemic mortality rate did not vary distinctly with 10, 20 and 40 weeks-old.