Fig. 2

MSC-CM enhanced structural maturation and growth of fetal lung explants. Embryonic day 15 (ED15) fetal lung explants were subjected to MSC-CM or control medium for 4 days. Data are displayed as mean + SEM. Statistical differences between the two groups were analyzed with a t test. a, b Fetal lung explants cultured in MSC-CM were larger compared to controls (n = 9; *p < 0.05; ***p < 0.001; scale bar: 500 μm). c The ratio of tissue area to total area was similar in control and MSC-CM-treated lungs (n = 9). d, e MSC-CM increased the number of peripheral airway buds in lung explants (n = 3; *p < 0.05; scale bar: 500 μm). f No differences in the degree of parenchymal development were noted, as shown by EpCAM (green, arrow) and DAPI (blue, nuclei) stainings. (scale bar: 100 μm). □ control, ■ MSC-CM