Objective To evaluate the progressive effect of oxygen and glucose deprivation on fission level of mitochondria, transformation of fission-related protein and ultimately apoptosis-related biogenesis in rat hippocampal neurons. Methods Primary cultured neurons were divided into 5 groups randomly: normal control group (OGD 0min, 0min), OGD 30min group (30min), OGD 45min group (45min), OGD 60min group (60min), and OGD 90min group (90min). The neurons were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) for 0min, 30min, 45min, 60min and 90min. Mitochondria were stained by Mitochondria tracker Deep Red and shot by laser confocal microscopy, and mitochondrial membrane potential was stained by JC-1 and examined by fluorescence microscopy. Assays of P-Drp1, CytC and caspase 3 were quantified by Western blot. Results (1) With prolonged OGD treatment, P-Drp1 protein expression in neurons was obviously decreased and mitochondrial fission rate gradually increased (P <0.05). (2) Mitochondrial transmembrane potential decreased more greatly. (3) Cytochrome C (CytC) and caspase 3 proteins had significantly high expression in 60min and 90min groups as compared with control group (P <0.05). Conclusion As OGD treatment prolongs, mitochondrial fission increases, mitochondrial transmembrane potential decreases, and membrane permeability increases, which occur with apoptosis at OGD 60 minutes time point of OGD treatment