Effects of normal and high circulating concentrations of activin A on vascular endothelial cell functions and vasoactive factor production

Highlights • Physiological activin A concentrations observed during a normal pregnancy increased vascular endothelial proliferation and migration. • Pathological pre-eclamptic concentrations increased vascular endothelial permeability, reduced proliferation and migration, and caused an imbalance in production of vasoactive factors. • Activin A at pre-eclamptic concentrations may contribute to the systemic maternal vascular endothelial dysfunction observed in the disorder.