Cell Specification
Renal mesangial cells (RMC) are perivascular pericytes located within the central portion of the glomerular tuft between capillary loops. Mesangial cells have a variety of functions including synthesis and assembly of the mesangial matrix, endocytosis and processing of plasma macromolecules, and control of glomerular hemodynamics via mesangial cell contraction or release of vasoactive hormones [1]. Mesangial cell proliferation and matrix overproduction are the predominant pathological features of many forms of glomerulonephritis, such as IgA nephropathy, lupus nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy and frequently precedes the increase of extracellular matrix in the mesangium and the development of glomerulosclerosis [2, 3]. As proliferation and matrix synthesis/degradation in vitro are regulated by cytokines and growth factors, cultured cells are an ideal tool for studying pathophysiological events such as mesangial expansion, scarring, and glomerulosclerosis.

HRMC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human renal tissue. HRMC are cryopreserved immediately after purification and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HRMC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to fibronectin, Thy-1, and smooth muscle actin. HRMC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HBMEC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings in the conditions specified by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Mesangial Cell Medium (MsCM, Cat. No. 4201) for the culturing of HRMC in vitro.

Product Use
HRMC 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] Rodriguez-Barbero, A., L'Azou, B., Cambar, J. and Lopez-Novoa, J. M. (2000) Potential use of isolated glomeruli and cultured mesangial cells as in vitro models to assess nephrotoxicity. Cell Biol Toxicol 16(3):145-53
[2]. Stockand, J. D. and Sansom, S. C. (1977) Regulation of filtration rate by glomerular mesangial cells in health and diabetic renal disease. Am J Kidney Dis 29(6): 971-81.
[3]. Grond, J. and Weening, J. J. (1990) Mesangial cell injury, glomerulosclerosis, and therapeutic intervention. Contrib Nephrol 81: 229-39.