Salivary chromogranin a as an index of psychosomatic stress response

Chromogranin A (CgA) is a major protein in adrenal chromaffin cells and adrenargic neurons. CgA and catecholamines are co-released into extra-cellular environment. We measured changes in the concentrations of CgA-like immunoreactivity (CgA-like IR), catecholamines and cortisol in saliva and plasma by exposure to stress in male volunteers. We found a prompt elevation of salivary CgA-like IR level prior to an elevation of salivary cortisol level in psychosomatic stresses (oral presentation and car driving). Salivary CgA-like IR level showed apparently no change during continuous physical exercise, while plasma noradrenaline level increased immediately. These results suggest strongly that salivary CgA-like IR can be a sensitive and substantial index for psychosomatic stress.