Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells derived from the embryonic mesoderm. They have been extensively used for a wide range of cellular and molecular studies, as they are one of the easiest types of cells to grow in culture. Their durability makes them amenable to a variety of manipulations ranging from gene transfection to microinjection. Fibroblasts secrete a non-rigid extracellular matrix that is rich in type I and/or type III collagen. They are responsible for synthesis of extracellular matrix in connective tissue and play a central role in wound healing. Human gallbladder fibroblasts (HGBF) are responsible for eicosanoid synthesis, specifically PGI2. Chronic stimulation of HGBF results in up-regulated synthesis and release of PGI2, which aids in formation of early acute cholecystitis. HGBF are very versatile cells and could be used to study many different conditions, including early stages of acute cholecystitis. HGBF from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human gallbladder tissue. HGBF are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HGBF are characterized by their spindle morphology and immunofluorescence with antibody specific to fibronectin. HGBF are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HGBF are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Fibroblast Medium (FM, Cat. #2301) for the culturing of HGBF in vitro.