Primary Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also known as mesenchymal stromal cells, are adult stem cells traditionally found in the bone marrow. However, MSCs can also be isolated from other tissues including cord blood, peripheral blood, fallopian tube, and fetal liver and lung. Cultured MSCs are an excellent tool for the study of adipocyte, osteocyte, and chondrocyte differentiation.

R&D Systems offers primary rat MSCs, that were isolated from the bone marrow of male F344 rats. Cells were cultured using the StemXVivo™ Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion Media (Catalog # CCM004). After 10 - 14 days, cells were harvested, further passaged for purity, and cryopreserved. These cells are designated as passage 2 (P2) cells.

Rat MSCs can be passaged a limited number of times in vitro before their multipotency is compromised. P2 MSCs can be reliably expanded for a minimum of 5 passages using the optimal media. Primary rat MSCs can be tested for their ability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes using the Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cell Functional Identification kit (Catalog # SC020). R&D Systems Primary Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells tested negative for mycoplasma using the MycoProbe™ Mycoplasma Detection Kit (Catalog # CUL001B). The cells also tested negative for microbial contamination.

Detection of CD90 and CD45 by Flow Cytometry. Primary Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Catalog # PSC003) were stained with an anti-rat RPE-conjugated CD90 monoclonal antibody and an anti-rat Alexa 687-conjugated CD45 monoclonal antibody. Gate based on control antibodies. After 3 passages, rat MSCs were shown to express high levels of MSC marker CD90 and no CD45, a common hematopoietic lineage marker.

A Guide for the Expansion and Differentiation of Rat MSCs Along the Adipocyte, Osteocyte, and Chondrocyte Lineages. Primary Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Catalog # PSC003) can be cultured and expanded using the appropriate StemXVivo Human/Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion Media and Supplement. All primary antibodies shown are included in the Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cell Functional Identification Kit (Catalog # SC020).