Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts

Description

Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts (RCF) are primary mesenchymal cells isolated from healthy rat ventricular tissue, representing the most abundant non-myocyte cell type in the heart. These cells exhibit a characteristic spindle-shaped morphology, plastic-adherent growth properties, and robust proliferative capacity in culture. They are key regulators of cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM), synthesizing and remodeling structural proteins—particularly types I/III collagen. Under pathological conditions, such as stimulation with angiotensin II or aldosterone, these fibroblasts significantly enhance collagen production while suppressing metalloproteinase‐mediated degradation, recapitulating fibrotic processes seen in hypertensive heart disease and heart failure. They are positive for vimentin. Each lot undergoes rigorous screening and isolation procedures, and is rigorously tested to ensure it is free of contamination from Mycoplasma, Fungi, Yeast, and Bacteria.