Astrocytes are the major cell type in the mammalian brain. They provide a variety of supportive functions to their partner neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), such as neuronal guidance during development, nutritional and metabolic support throughout life [1]. Numerous studies have demonstrated that astrocytes are among the most functionally diverse group of cells in the CNS [2]. Impairment of normal astrocyte functions during stroke and other insults can critically influence neuron survival. Retinal astrocytes are critical for the homeostasis of neurons and retinal function [3]. Apart from various neuropathological conditions, retinal astrocytes contribute to retinal vascular disease, retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma [3, 4, 5]. Rat retinal astrocytes (RA-r) are an excellent in vitro model for studying astrocytes under normal physiological and pathological conditions.
Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Astrocyte Medium-animal (AM-a, Cat. No. SC1831) for culturing RA-r 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] Shao Y, McCarhy KD. (1994) "Plasticity of astrocytes." Glia. 11: 147-55.
[3] Fernandez-Sanchez L, Lax P, Campello L, Pinilla I, Cuenca N. (2015) "Astrocytes and Muller Cell Alterations During Retinal Degeneration in a Transgenic Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa." Front Cell Neurosci. 9:484.
[4] Coorey NJ, Shen W, Chung SH, Zhu L, Gillies MC. (2012) "The role of glia in retinal vascular disease." Clin Exp Optom. 95: 266-81.
[5] Tezel G, Yang X, Luo C, Cai J, Powell DW. (2012) "An astrocyte-specific proteomic approach to inflammatory responses in experimental rat glaucoma." Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 53: 4220-33.