Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Basal Medium (formerly “Medium 231”) is a sterile, liquid culture medium intended for use as one component in a complete culture environment for the growth of normal human vascular smooth muscle cells. When supplemented with SMGS, Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Basal Medium will support the plating and proliferation of smooth muscle cells at densities between 2.5 x 10³ cells/cm² and 1 x 10⁵ cells/cm². Additional applications for use may include primary isolation of human smooth muscle cells.

Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Basal Medium is a basal medium containing essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamins, other organic compounds, trace minerals, and inorganic salts. This medium does not contain antibiotics, antimycotics, hormones, growth factors, or proteins. This medium is HEPES and bicarbonate buffered and designed for use in an incubator with an atmosphere of 5% CO₂/95% air. To support the plating and proliferation of normal human vascular smooth muscle cells, Medium 231 must be supplemented with Smooth Muscle Growth Supplement (SMGS). To induce differentiation of normal human vascular smooth muscle cells, Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Basal Medium must be supplemented with Smooth Muscle Differentiation Supplement (SMDS).