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.

RHSteC-a from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from adult CD® IGS rat liver. RHSteC-a are cryopreserved after purification and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. RHSteC-a are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to desmin and α-actin. RHSteC-a are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. RHSteC-a are guaranteed to further expand for 5 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Stellate Cell Medium (SteCM, Cat. #5301) for culturing RHSteC-a in vitro.