Ischemic stroke is one of the most common public health problems worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-19a and its possible target genes in SK-N-SH cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) injury. SK-N-SH cells are a suitable model for host transfection. SK-N-SH cells were transfected with miR-19a mimic or inhibitor and PTEN-small interfering (si) RNA in order to alter the expression of miR-19a, PTEN and AKT. The expression changes in acute cerebral ischemic injury (ACII) were verified using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Expression changes and the association between miR-19a and PTEN following OGD/R were also assessed using a double luciferase analysis. In addition, cell viability and apoptosis were measured using an MTT and flow cytometry. miR-19a was downregulated; however, PTEN was markedly increased following OGD/R injury. miR-19a mimics increased cell viability, decreased cell apoptosis of SK-N-SH cells following OGD/R, which effects was similar to PTEN siRNA; however, miR-19a inhibitor had the opposite roles with miR-19a mimics. The present study provides novel information about the cell apoptosis and invasion mechanisms associated with the miR-19a/PTEN/AKT pathway and may present a potential therapeutic approach for OGD/R injury.