The development of the cerebellum involves a set of coordinated cell movements and two separate proliferation zones: the ventricular zone and the external granule cell layer (EGL), a rhombic-lip-derived progenitor pool . The EGL appears segregated during early cerebellum formation and produces only granule cells. Cerebellar granule cells (CGC) are the most abundant neurons in the brain . Their axons run as parallel fibres along the coronal axis, and the one-dimensional spread of excitation that results from this arrangement is a key assumption in theories of cerebellar function. CGC receive inhibitory synaptic input from Golgi cells, which are mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). During both in vivo and in vitro development, CGC depend on the activity of the NMDA glutamate receptor subtype for survival and full differentiation. Cultured CGC are widely used as a model system for studying neuronal apoptosis.

RCGC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from postnatal day 8 CD® IGS rat cerebellum. RCGC are cryopreserved as primary cultures and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >1 x 10^6 cells in 1 ml volume. RCGC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to neurofilament, MAP2, and β-tubulin III. RCGC are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. RCGC are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, RCGC are not recommended for expanding or long-term cultures since the cells do not proliferate in culture.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Neuronal Medium (NM, Cat. #1521) for culturing RCGC in vitro.