Astrocytes are the major cell type in the mammalian brain. They provide a variety of supportive functions for their partner neurons in the central nervous system, such as neuronal guidance during development, ion and water homeostasis, blood flow regulation, neurotransmission, energy metabolism, and immune defense [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]. Cultured mouse astrocytes are a useful in vitro model for studying the molecular and cellular properties of the central nervous system.

MA-mb from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from embryonic day 15 mouse midbrain. MA-mb are cryopreserved as primary cultures and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. MA-mb are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibody specific to GFAP. MA-mb are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. MA-mb 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-mb in vitro.