Cell Specification
Pericytes are contractile smooth muscle-like cells that cover the abluminal surface of microvessels. They are the most abundant in venules and are common in capillaries. The pericytes population is highly variable between different tissues and organs and appears to show functional heterogeneity [1]. Three major functional roles have been ascribed to pericytes associated with central nervous system microvescular-contractility, regulation of endothelial cell activity, and macrophage activity [2]. There is also evidence that pericytes are involved in the transport across the blood-brain barrier and the regulation of vascular permeability. An important role for pericytes in pathology has been indicated in hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and CNS tumor formation [3].

HBVP from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human brain tissue. HBVP are cryopreserved at primary culture and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HBVP are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to alpha-smooth muscle actin. HBVP are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HBVP are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings in the conditions specified by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Pericyte Medium (PM, Cat. No. 1201) for the culturing of HBVP in vitro.

Product Use
HBVP are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage
Transfer cells directly and immediately from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture is needed for experiments.

Shipping
Dry ice.

Reference
[1] Sims, D. E. (2000) Diversity within pericytes. Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol. 27:842-846
[2] Rucker, H. K., Wynder, H. J. and Thomas, W. E. (2000) Cellular mechanisms of CNS pericytes. Brain Res. Bull. 15:363-369.
[3] Allt, G. and Lawrenson, J. G. (2001) Pericytes: cell biology and pathology. Cells Tissues Organs. 169:1-11.