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, and nutritional and metabolic support throughout life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that astrocytes are among the most functionally diverse group of cells in the CNS. 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. Apart from various neuropathological conditions, astrocytes play a particularly important role in retinal vascular disease and glaucoma. 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. HRA from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human retina. HRA are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HRA are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibody specific to GFAP. HRA are negative for HIV1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. HRA are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. Recommended Medium It is recommended to use Astrocyte Medium (AM, Cat. #1801) for culturing HRA in vitro.