Abstract: The invention relates to a device for isolating stem cells from fetal tissues, which device has an incubation chamber, at least one pump, at least one reservoir for a tissue break-down solution, at least one reservoir for a rinsing solution, optionally a control unit, optionally a means for removing contaminants, and optionally a means for expansion of the isolated stem cells. The invention further relates to a method for isolating stem cells from fetal tissue, which method comprises, among other things, the mechanical dissociation and the enzymatic digestion of the fetal tissue and optionally density gradient centrifugation for removing contaminants. The device and the method according to the invention are particularly suitable for isolating mesenchymal stem cells from fetal tissues, such as umbilical cord tissue, placenta tissue, or fetal lung tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for isolating stem cells from fetal tissues, which device has an incubation chamber, at least one pump, at least one reservoir for a tissue break-down solution, at least one reservoir for a rinsing solution, optionally a control unit, optionally a means for removing contaminants, and optionally a means for expansion of the isolated stem cells. The invention further relates to a method for isolating stem cells from fetal tissue, which method comprises, among other things, the mechanical dissociation and the enzymatic digestion of the fetal tissue and optionally density gradient centrifugation for removing contaminants. The device and the method according to the invention are particularly suitable for isolating mesenchymal stem cells from fetal tissues, such as umbilical cord tissue, placenta tissue, or fetal lung tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of pulmonary diseases that are related to oxygen provision that is higher than physiological (hyperoxia) and to the use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for treatment and prevention. Hyperoxic exposure causes a direct cellular damage in the lung and disturbs lung development. The effect becomes clinically prominent by the development of acute or chronic lung disease. There is a need for a pharmaceutical to prevent oxygen induced lung injuries. VEGF is not only a cellular survival factor but also important for lung development. The oxygen concentration regulates pulmonary VEGF expression, with a suppression during hyperoxia. Low pulmonary VEGF concentrations are responsible for oxygen induced effects. According to the present invention VEGF is used as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of pulmonary diseases or conditions that are related to high concentrations of inspired oxygen.