Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells

Human amniotic membrane is composed of an epithelial cell layer, a basement membrane and an avascular matrix. The amniotic epithelial cells (AEC) are formed from epiblasts on the 8th day after fertilization. As a result of their embryonic origin, AEC lack major histocompatibility complex antigens and have been used for allotransplantation to treat patients with lysosomal diseases. Studies have shown that AEC have multiple functions such as synthesis and release of acetylcholine and catecholamine. In addition, AEC express mRNA coding for dopamine receptors and dopamine transporters. They also express neuronal and glial cell markers, produce basic fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta. Human AEC has been suggested as an appropriate human cell model for studying dopamine release and uptake processes, receptor signal transduction and exploring newly developed drugs acting at these receptors.

HAEpiC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human amniotic membranes. HAEpiC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HAEpiC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to cytokeratin-18 and/or cytokeratin-19. HAEpiC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HAEpiC are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Epithelial Cell Medium (EpiCM, Cat. #4101) for the culturing of HAEpiC in vitro.