The seminal vesicles are a pair of tubular glands located near the prostate that secrete fluid which helps compose the semen. The secretion from the seminal vesicles are vital for coagulation and pH of semen, sperm motility, and stability of sperm chromatin. The SV consists of three layers: the inner basal mucosal layer composed of simple cuboidal and pseudo-stratified columnar epithelial cells, the middle muscular layer formed by smooth muscle cells, and the outer layer made up of dense connective tissue. Contraction of the seminal vesicle smooth muscle cells (SVSMC) help to drive the fluid secretion into the ejaculatory duct. Studies have indicated that androgen receptor signaling in SVSMC help to reduce seminal vesicle epithelial cell proliferation and can prevent abnormal cell proliferation and hyperplasia. Human SVSMC (HSVSMC) can be used to further study the role of smooth muscle cells in seminal vesicle function and pathology.

HSVSMC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human seminal vesicle. HSVSMC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HSVSMC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to α-smooth muscle actin. HSVSMC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. HSVSMC are guaranteed to further expand for 5 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Smooth Muscle Cell Medium (SMCM, Cat. #1101) for culturing HSVSMC in vitro.