Recovery of neuronal function after prolonged cerebral ischemia.

Cats were submitted to complete cerebral ischemia by clamping the innominate and subclavian arteries and simultaneously lowering the systemic blood pressure. Neuronal function was assessed by recording the electroencephalogram and the anti- and orthodromic activation of the pyramidal tract. A full recovery of the pyramidal response and even of evoked electroencephalographic activity occurred after ischemia of more than 1 hour's duration.