Cell Specification
Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which are derived from the embryonic mesoderm. Since tissue-specific mesenchymal cells are essential for normal organ development, the villous mesenchymal fibroblasts (VMF) have been used as a model system for studying the cellular mechanisms involved in regulating human placental growth [1]. The VMF lie directly beneath the villous basement membrane; they synthesize HGF, CSF-1, granulocyte CSF and IL-6 [2] and play an important role in the regulation of trophoblast growth and function. Studies have shown that paracrine interaction between placental villous mesenchymal fibroblast and the cytotrophoblast in anchoring sites is required in stimulating trophoblast infiltration [3].

HVMF from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human placental villi. HVMF are cryopreserved at primary culture and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HVMF are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to CD90 and vimentin. HVMF are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HVMF are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings at the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Fibroblast Medium (FM, Cat. No. 2301) for the culturing of HVMF in vitro.

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

Storage
Directly and immediately transfer cells 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] Fant, M. E. (1991) In vitro growth rate of placental fibroblasts is developmentally regulated. J Clin Invest. 88(5):1697-702.
[2] Kauma, S., Hayes, N. and Shannon Weatherford, S. (1997) The Differential Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Met in Human Placenta. J. Clin. Endoc. Metabol. 82(3) 949-954
[3] Aplin, J. D., Haigh, T., Lacey, H., Chen, C. P., Jones, C. J. (2000) Tissue interactions in the control of trophoblast invasion. J Reprod Fertil Suppl. 55:57-64.