Astrocyte Medium

Astrocyte Medium has been specially formulated to support the growth of primary human and rat astrocytes while retaining their phenotypes. The medium has been internally validated and optimized to provide an optimal balance between cell growth and the maintenance of cell viability, normal phenotype, and function. If more rapid proliferation is desired, addition of an appropriate amount of epidermal growth factor (EGF) is recommended, although cells may exhibit morphological and phenotypic changes.

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell of the nervous system with a typical star shape. It has been shown in recent years that astrocytes not only function as gap fillers and structural supports, but play an active role in supporting the normal functions of neurons, oligodendrocytes, neural stem cells, and blood-brain barrier. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical environment, respond to CNS injury, and play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of ischemic neuronal death, and they have remained one of the most active research areas in neuroscience.

Astrocyte Medium has three components: base medium (DMEM), N-2 Supplement, and OneShot Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). Mixing of these three components yields a complete medium.

For established protocols using Astrocyte Medium, access our Gibco Neurobiology Protocol Handbook.

View publications using Gibco neurobiology products at our Gibco CellCite.