Description

Schwann cells are neural crest derivatives that ensheathe and myelinate axons of peripheral nerves [1]. They wrap individually around the shaft of peripheral axons, forming myelin sheaths along segments of the axon. Schwann cells play important roles in the development, function and regeneration of peripheral nerves. When an axon is dying, the Schwann cells surrounding it aid in its digestion. This leaves an empty channel formed by successive Schwann cells, through which a new axon may grow from a severed end. The number of Schwann cells in peripheral nerves are tightly regulated [2]. Their proliferation in vitro can be stimulated by growth factors including PDGF, FGF, neuregulin and others [3]. The Schwann cells provide a relatively simple, well-defined and accessible mammalian model for the study of a number of developmental questions. It is also of particular clinical importance to understand the biology of Schwann cells, not only in the context of neuropathies and nerve regeneration, but also because the cells or their precursor might be especially well suited as implants to facilitate repair in the CNS.

RSC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from neonate rat sciatic nerves. RSC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. RSC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to S-100, GFAP and CD90. RSC are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. RSC are guaranteed to further culture in the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Schwann Cell Medium (SCM, Cat. No. 1701) for the culturing of RSC in vitro.

Product Use

RSC are for research use only. They are not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage

Transfer cells directly and immediately from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture is needed for experiments.

Shipping

Dry ice.

Reference

[1] Jessen, K. R. and Mirsky, R. (1999) Schwann cells and their precursors emerge as major regulators of nerve development. Trends Neurosci. 22:402-410.
[2] Syroid, D. E., Maycox, P. R., Burrola, P. G., Liu, N., Wen, D., Lee, K. F., Lemke, G., Kilpatrick, T. J. (1996) Cell death in the Schwann cell lineage and its regulation by neuregulin. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:9229-9234.
[3] Rahmatullah, M., Schroering, A., Rothblum, K., Stahl, R. C., Urban, B and Carey, D. J. (1998) Synergistic regulation of Schwann cells proliferation by heregulin and forskolin. Mol. Cell. Biol. 18:6245-6252.