Hepatic stellate cells (HSteC) are intralobular connective tissue cells presenting myofibroblast-like or lipocyte phenotypes. They participate in the homeostasis of liver extracellular matrix, repair, regeneration, fibrosis and control retinol metabolism, storage and release. Following liver injury, HSteC transform into myofibroblast-like cells and are the major source of type I collagen in the fibrotic liver. Beyond these features, HSteC have been implicated as regulators of hepatic microcirculation via cell contraction, and in disease states, in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic portal hypertension. Proliferation and migration of HSteC and expression of chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. New insight into the molecular regulation of HSteC activation will lead to therapeutic approaches in treatment of hepatic fibrosis, and could lead to reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver injury. HHSteC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human liver. HHSteC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HHSteC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to α-smooth muscle actin. HHSteC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HHSteC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Stellate Cell Medium (SteCM, Cat. #5301) for the culturing of HHSteC in vitro.