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 [1]. Astrocytes have also been implicated in various pathological processes such as reactive gliosis [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]. Rat astrocytes-adult (RA-a) are a useful in vitro model for studying adult 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. SC1831) for culturing RA-a in vitro.
Product Use
This product is for research use only. It is not approved for use in humans, animals, or 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.
References
[1] Rudge JS. (1993) "Astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factors." In Murphy S, Astrocytes: Pharmacology and Function (pp 267-94). San Diego: Academic Press, Inc.
[2] van der Laan LJ, De Groot CJ, Elices MJ, Dijkstra CD. (1997) "Extracellular matrix proteins expressed by human adult astrocytes in vivo and in vitro: an astrocyte surface protein containing the CS1 domain contributes to binding of lymphoblasts." J Neurosci Res. 50: 539-48.
[3] Chen Y, Swanson RA. (2003) "Astrocytes and brain injury." J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 23: 137-49.
[4] Shao Y, McCarhy KD. (1994) "Plasticity of astrocytes." Glia. 11: 147-55.