Astrocytes are the major cell type in the mammalian brain. They provide a variety of supportive functions to their partner neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), such as neuronal guidance during development, nutritional and metabolic support throughout life. Astrocytes have also been implicated in various pathological processes. Impairment of normal astrocyte functions during stroke and other insults can critically influence neuron survival. Long-term recovery after brain injury, through neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity, or neuron regeneration, is also influenced by astrocyte surface molecule expression and trophic factor release. Numerous studies have demonstrated that astrocytes are among the most functionally diverse group of cells in the CNS. Much of what we have learned about astrocytes is from in vitro studies and astrocyte culture is a useful tool for exploring the diverse properties of this cell type. RA from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from CD® IGS rat brain. RA are cryopreserved as primary cultures and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. RA are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibody specific to GFAP. RA are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. RA are guaranteed to further expand for 5 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Astrocyte Medium-animal (AM-a, Cat. #1831) for culturing RA in vitro.