Immortalized Mouse Astrocytes - SV40T (IMA2.1)

Description

The Immortalized Mouse Astrocytes- SV40 T IMA 2.1 is a suitable cell line for studies in astrocyte functions. This cell line is unique in that it is capable of metabolizing the parkinsonian toxin MPTP to MPP+ and is responsive to pro-inflammatory stimuli. In addition, this cell line can be used in neuronal co-culture studies to simulate conditions in the brain. Upon stimulation with cytokines such as IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, these cells show up-regulated NOS-2 and COX-2 mRNA expression and release various inflammatory mediators. This cell line has a stable star-shape morphology and expresses immature astrocyte markers such as nestin and CD44, indicating that the cells are of the early-stage astrocyte precursor phenotype. Furthermore, they are capable of converting glutamate via glutamine synthase to glutamine, which is a characteristic of GFAP-negative astrocytes.