Abstract: Objective To explore the early changes in CT findings of ischemic infarction in relation to neuronal damage in rabbits. Methods Thirty-two rabbits were divided into control group and experiment groups and scanned with CT 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h after ischemic cerebral infarction induced by PVA embolization of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), respecti- vely. The brain specimen were stained with HE, Nissle and TUNEL techniques for pathological examination. Results In stage Ⅰ (2-8 h after MCA occlusion) by CT staging, the neurons exhibited ischemic change followed by cell edema. A small number of TUNEL-positive cells were found in the basal ganglia and cortex. In stage Ⅱ (12-18 h after MCA occlusion), neuronal swelling and lysis were observed with greater number of TUNEL-positive neurons in the basal ganglia and cortex. In stage Ⅲ (24-36 h after MCA obstruction), cerebral edema became obvious and ischemic cores were distinct, with numerous necrotic neurons seen and destruction of the cell structure. Numerous TUNEL-positive cells were seen in the ischemic penumbra and cortex. Conclusion The damaged neurons after ischemic cerebral infarction showed varied morphology including cell edema, apoptosis, necrosis, and necrosis-apoptosis continuum. CT manifestations are strongly associated with the progression of ischemia and the pathological changes.