Hepatic stellate cells (HSteC) are pericytes found in the perisinusoidal space and exhibit myofibroblast-like or lipocyte phenotypes. They participate in the homeostasis, repair, and regeneration of liver extracellular matrix, and control retinol metabolism, storage, and release. Following liver injury, HSteC proliferate, transform into myofibroblast-like cells, and produce type I collagen in the fibrotic liver. HSteC have been implicated as a regulator of hepatic microcirculation via cell contraction in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic portal hypertension. HSteC also have voltage-activated calcium channels, express the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75, and respond to nerve growth factor stimulation by undergoing apoptosis. Understanding the molecular regulation of HSteC activation may lead to the development of new therapies for treatment of hepatic fibrosis and chronic liver disease. MHSteC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from postnatal day 2 or postnatal day 8 CD-1 mouse liver. MHSteC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. MHSteC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to desmin and/or α-actin. MHSteC are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. MHSteC are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, MHSteC are not recommended for long-term cultures due to limited expansion capacity and senescence after subculturing. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Stellate Cell Medium (SteCM, Cat. #5301) for culturing MHSteC in vitro.