Pericardial Fibroblasts (PcF) are the major cell type of the pericardium. They produce collagens and help form the thin but strong pericardium to serve as a protective sac for the heart by providing structural support and lubrication, and preventing excessive dilation of the heart. Dysregulated activation and proliferation of PcF, collagen and fibrin deposition, chronic inflammation, and scarring have been implicated in constrictive pericarditis, where pericardium hardening eventually prevents the heart from expanding. Associations between fibroblast activation and immunomodulation make PcF cultures a useful tool for studying progressive sclerosing pericarditis. HPcF from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from the human heart. HPcF are cryopreserved at passage one and are delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HPcF are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibody specific to fibronectin. HPcF are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. HPcF 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 culturing HPcF in vitro.