Astrocytes are a subtype of neuroglial cells in the mammalian brain and spinal cord. With the typical star-like morphology, human astrocytes generally have sparse organelles and several processes radiating from the central cell body. A single astrocyte could be associated with a number of neuronal synapses since each process shows extensive terminal branching. HA are the most explored non-neuronal cells in the brain under neurophysiological and neurodegenerative conditions.
Astrocytes Functions
Considered as full-fledged participants in brain circuitry and processing, human astrocytes provide a variety of functions at the cell level acting on the formation, maturation, and elimination of synapses, ionic homeostasis, clearance of neurotransmitters, regulation of extracellular space volume, and modulation of synaptic activity and plasticity. Astrocytes are involved in an incredible variety of processes so that a change in their characteristics will alter their contribution to neuronal functions. Some astrocytes that have vascular feet at the end of their processes take part in the forming of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Extensive researches about the specific role of HA during neuropathological conditions have been done, however, their mechanism of action and specific role in neurodegenerative conditions could not be concluded by existing findings.
Why Choose Astrocytes from AcceGen?
AcceGen Human Astrocytes are isolated from the human cerebral cortex, cryopreserved at passage one, and delivered frozen.
HA from AcceGen are characterized by immunofluorescence staining for GFAP; negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi; and guaranteed to further expand for 10 population doublings under Human Astrocytes Medium provided by AcceGen.
