Mouse Cortical Astrocytes

Description

Mouse Cortical Astrocytes are primary glial cells isolated from the cerebral cortex of neonatal mice, typically C57BL/6 strain. The cells are cryopreserved at early passage to preserve their native characteristics. Morphologically, these stellate shaped cells are the most abundant glial population in the central nervous system (CNS) and exhibit classical astrocytic morphology, with numerous branching processes. They express specific markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100β, and ALDH1L1, confirming their astrocytic identity. Mouse cortical astrocytes play vital roles in maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, modulating synaptic transmission, regulating neuroinflammation, and responding to CNS injury. Their gene expression profile includes cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), ion channels, and glutamate transporters like GLAST (EAAT1), enable studies of neuroimmune interaction and neurotransmitter regulation.