Human Gallbladder Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells derived from the embryonic mesoderm. Because they are one of the easiest types of cells to grow in culture, they have been extensively used for a wide range of cellular and molecular studies. Additionally, their durability makes them amenable to a wide variety of manipulations ranging from studies employing gene transfection to microinjection. Fibroblasts secrete a non-rigid extracellular matrix that is rich in type I and/or type III collagen. They are responsible for much of the synthesis of extracellular matrix in connective tissues and play major roles in wound healing. Human gallbladder fibroblasts (HGBF) are responsible for eicosanoid synthesis, specifically PGI2. Chronic stimulation of HGBF results in up-regulated synthesis and release of PGI2 which aids in formation of early acute cholecystitis. HGBF are very versatile cells and could be used in studies of many conditions, such as the early stages of acute cholecystitis.HGBF from Gentaur Research Laboratories are isolated from human gallbladder tissue. HGBF are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains 5×10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. HGBF are characterized by their spindle morphology and immunofluorescence with antibody specific to fibronectin. HGBF are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HGBF are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings at the condition provided by Gentaur Research Laboratories.