Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) significantly contribute to the development of vascular disease. The ability of VSMC to switch to a proliferative phenotype in response to environmental stimuli is a major factor in the progression of vascular disease. VSMC express the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and studies have suggested that these molecules may promote VSMC proliferation, VSMC differentiation, and vascular inflammation. Human VSMC cultures play a critical role in the continuous advancement of therapies for vascular disease. HBVSMC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human brain. HBVSMC are cryopreserved at passage one after purification and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HBVSMC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to α-smooth muscle actin. HBVSMC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. HBVSMC are guaranteed to further expand for 10 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Smooth Muscle Cell Medium (SMCM, Cat. #1101) for culturing HBVSMC in vitro.