Hepatic stellate cells (HSteC) are pericytes found in the perisinusoidal space presenting 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 possess voltage-activated calcium current, express the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75, and undergo apoptosis in response to nerve growth factor stimulation. These insights into the molecular regulation of HSteC activation will help lead to new therapeutic approaches in treatment of hepatic fibrosis by reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver injury. RHSteC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from postnatal day 2 or postnatal day 8 rat liver. RHSteC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. RHSteC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to desmin and/or smooth muscle actin. RHSteC are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. RHSteC are guaranteed to further expand for 5 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended medium: It is recommended to use Stellate Cell Medium (SteCM, Cat. #5301) for culturing RHSteC in vitro.