Astrocytes are the major cell type in the mammalian brain. They have been implicated in a variety of supportive functions for their partner neurons in the CNS, such as neuronal guidance during development, ion and water homeostasis, blood flow regulation, neurotransmission, energy metabolism, and immune defense. Recent studies have shown that spinal cord astrocytes contribute to neuroinflammation by chemokine expression which leads to the recruitment of “inflammatory” monocytes and neutrophils to the lesion site. Experimentally, spinal cord astrocytes have also been used to study the wobbler mutation and muscular dystrophy in mice and astrogliosis. As the recognition of the importance of astrocytes in nervous system functioning is increasing, specifically regarding the modulation of neural activity, astrocyte cultures are continuing to provide a useful tool in exploring the diverse properties and functions of these cells.
Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Astrocyte Medium-animal (AM-a, Cat. No. SC1831) for the culturing of MA-sc in vitro.
Product Use
Mouse Astrocytes-spinal cord from C57BL/6 are for research use only. They are not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.
Storage
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
Dry ice.
Warranty
Cells are only warranted if ScienCell media and reagents are used and the recommended protocols are followed.