Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which are derived from the embryonic mesoderm. Since tissuespecific mesenchymal cells are essential for normal organ development, the villous mesenchymal fibroblasts (VMF) have been used as a model system for studying the cellular mechanisms involved in regulating human placental growth. The VMF lie directly beneath the villous basement membrane; they synthesize HGF, CSF-1, granulocyte CSF and IL-6 and play an important role in the regulation of trophoblast growth and function. Studies have shown that paracrine interaction between placental VMF and the cytotrophoblast in anchoring sites is required for stimulating trophoblast infiltration. HVMF from ScienCell Research Laboratories. HVMF from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human placental villi. HVMF are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HVMF are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to fibronectin and/or CD90. HVMF are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HVMF 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. No. 2301) for the culturing of HVMF in vitro.