Cell Specification
Schwann cells are neural crest derivatives that ensheathe and myelinate axons of peripheral nerves [1]. They wrap individually around the shaft of peripheral axons, forming a layer or myelin sheath along segments of the axon. Schwann cells play important roles in the development, function and regeneration of peripheral nerves. When an axon is dying, the Schwann cells surrounding it aid in its digestion. This leaves an empty channel formed by successive Schwann cells, through which a new axon may grow from a severed end. The number of Schwann cells in peripheral nerve is tightly regulated [2]. Their proliferation in vitro can be stimulated by polypeptide growth factors including PDGF, FGF, neuregulin and others [3]. The Schwann cells provide a relatively simple, well-defined and accessible mammalian model for the study of a number of developmental questions. It is also of particular clinical importance to understand the biology of Schwann cells, not only in the context of neuropathies and nerve regeneration, but also because the cells or their precursor might be especially well suited as implants to facilitate repair in the CNS.

HSC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human spinal nerves. HSC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HSC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to S-100, GFAP and CD90. HSC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HSC are guaranteed to further culture in the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Schwann Cell Medium (SCM, Cat. No. 1701) for the culturing of human Schwann cells in vitro.

Product Use
HSC are for research use only. They are 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] Jessen, K. R. and Mirsky, R. (1999) Schwann cells and their precursors emerge as major regulators of nerve development. Trends Neurosci. 22:402-410.
[2] Syroid, D. E., Maycox, P. R., Burrola, P. G., Liu, N., Wen, D., Lee, K. F., Lemke, G., Kilpatrick, T. J. (1996) Cell death in the Schwann cell lineage and its regulation by neuregulin. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:9229-9234.
[3] Rahmatullah, M., Schroering, A., Rothblum, K., Stahl, R. C., Urban, B and Carey, D. J. (1998) Synergistic regulation of Schwann cells proliferation by heregulin and forskolin. Mol. Cell. Biol. 18:6245-6252.