Human Brain Vascular Pericytes

Description

Human Brain Vascular Pericytes (HBVP) are primary cells isolated from human brain tissue. These cells exhibit polymorphic morphology, typically appearing as stellate or elongated spindle-shaped cells with extensive cytoplasmic processes that wrap around capillaries. HBVPs are cryopreserved at early passages and generally display limited proliferative capacity in culture. Functionally, HBVPs play critical roles in maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, regulating cerebral blood flow, supporting angiogenesis, and modulating neuroinflammation through interactions with endothelial cells and astrocytes. Dysregulation or loss of pericyte function is implicated in several neurological disorders, including ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cerebral small vessel disease, where compromised integrity contributes to BBB breakdown and microvascular instability. HBVPs express characteristic markers, including PDGFRβ, CD146, and NG2, but lack α-smooth muscle actin in capillary-associated subtypes. These cells require careful handling to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which may affect their viability and function.

Application

• Human Brain Vascular Pericytes are vital for investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying neurovascular health and disease. Due to their central role in vascular stability and blood flow regulation, HBVPs are used extensively in research focused on neurological disorders such as hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and the formation of central nervous system tumors. These cells closely interact with endothelial cells which makes them valuable tools for studying BBB function, neuroinflammation, and angiogenic signaling. HBVPs offer valuable insight into therapeutic target identification and the developemtn of diagnostic strategies for complex neurovascular diseases.