Astrocytes are the major cell type in the mammalian brain. They provide a variety of supportive functions to their partner neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), such as neuronal guidance during development, nutritional and metabolic support throughout life [1]. Astrocytes have also been implicated in various pathological processes [2]. Impairment of normal astrocyte functions during stroke and other insults can critically influence neuron survival. Long-term recovery after brain injury, through neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity, or neuron regeneration, is also influenced by astrocyte surface molecule expression and trophic factor release [3]. Numerous studies have demonstrated that astrocytes are among the most functionally diverse group of cells in the CNS [4]. Much of what we have learned about astrocytes is from in vitro studies and astrocyte culture is a useful tool for exploring the diverse properties of this cell type.

MA from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from postnatal day 2 C57BL/6 mouse brain. MA are cryopreserved as primary cultures and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. MA are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibody specific to GFAP. MA are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. MA are guaranteed to further expand for 5 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Astrocyte Medium-animal (AM-a, Cat. #1831) for culturing MA in vitro.