Provided are methods of reducing cell death, attenuating a burst of reactive oxygen species, reducing cytotoxicity, reducing intracellular oxidant stress due species in a population of cells following hypoxia by reoxygenating the cells in the presence of a reversible electron transport chain inhibitor or under hypercarbic conditions. Also provided is a method to determine the effectiveness of a reversible electron transport chain inhibitor for reducing cell death in a population of cells.