Abstract: The present invention provides means and methods for at least a partial prevention of cellular damage in disease resulting from H/I-related blood flow resistance, preferably due to occlusion of blood vessels. Administration of &bgr;-interferon before, around or after the time of lifting of the ischemia results in improved survival of cells downstream of the occluded blood vessel, presumable because micro-vasculature downstream of the lifted obstruction if prevented from clogging. Prevention of blood flow impairment presumably leads to increased survival of cells in tissue affected by the ischemia.