Regulation of endothelial cell shape and barrier function by chromogranin A.

We have found that chromogranin A (CgA), a protein released in circulation by neuroendocrine cells and neurons, prevents the vascular leakage induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in a mouse model. Studies of the mechanism of action showed that CgA and its NH(2)-terminal fragments inhibit TNF-induced vascular permeability by preventing endothelial cytoskeleton rearrangements. We propose that neuronal/endocrine secretion of CgA could contribute to the regulation of endothelial barrier function and the protection of vessels against plasma leakage in inflammatory diseases.