Using an in vitro model of ischemic stroke we treated differentiated SH-SY5Y cells to oxygenglucose deprivation (OGD) followed by a reperfusion period where normal growth conditions were restored. Cells undergoing OGD exhibited significant cell death as measure by propidium iodide staining. However, cells treated with exogenous extracellular DJ-1 during reperfusion exhibited significant rescue from OGD-induced cell death.