Rat hepatic stellate cells (RHSteC) are pericytes found in the perisinusoidal space presenting myofibroblast-like or lipocyte phenotypes. RHSteC participate in the homeostasis, repair, and regeneration of liver extracellular matrix, and control retinol metabolism, storage, and release. Following liver injury, RHSteC proliferate, transform into myofibroblast-like cells, and produce type I collagen in the fibrotic liver. RHSteC have been implicated as a regulator of hepatic microcirculation via cell contraction in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic portal hypertension [1]. RHSteC also possess voltage-activated calcium current, express the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75, and undergo apoptosis in response to nerve growth factor stimulation [2, 3]. These insights into the molecular regulation of RHSteC activation will help lead to new therapeutic approaches in treatment of hepatic fibrosis by reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver injury.
Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Stellate Cell Medium (SteCM, Cat. No. SC5301) for culturing RHSteC-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] Reynaert H, Thompson MG, Thomas T, Geerts A. (2002) Hepatic stellate cells: role in microcirculation and pathophysiology of portal hypertension. Gut 50:571-581.
[2] Rockey D. C. (2001) Hepatic blood flow regulation by stellate cells in normal and injured liver. Semin Liver Dis 21(3):337-49.
[3] Oide H, Tateyama M, Wang XE, Hirose M, Itatsu T, Watanabe S, Ochi R, Sato N. (1999) Activated stellate (Ito) cells possess voltage-activated calcium current. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1418:158-164.
[4] Trim N, Morgan S, Evans M, Issa R, Fine D, Afford S, Wilkins B, Iredale J. (2000) Hepatic stellate cells express the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75 and undergo apoptosis in response to nerve growth factor stimulation. Am. J. Pathol. 156(4):1235-1243.