Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and they provide a variety of vital functions for the CNS including: establishment and regulation of the blood brain barrier, functional support for neuronal transmission, survival of neurons, anti-inflammatory responses and wound repair. Astrocytes have also been implicated in various pathological processes such as reactive gliosis. 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. Numerous studies have demonstrated that astrocytes are among the most functionally diverse group of cells in the CNS. Bovine astrocytes (BA) are a useful in vitro model for studying glial function and the molecular mechanisms of CNS diseases such as ischemic stroke and multiple sclerosis.
Recommended Medium: It is recommended to use Astrocyte Medium-animal (AM-a, Cat. no. 1831) for culturing BA in vitro.
Storage condition: Upon receiving, directly and immediately transfer the cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until they are needed for experiments.
Shipping condition: Dry ice.
Product Use: BA are for in vitro laboratory research use only. They are not approved for use in humans or animals, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.