Indeed, in vitro studies demonstrate that imatinib increases endothelial permeability by decreasing the level of plasma membrane VE-cadherin,o, 85, 86whereas in vivo experiments indicate decreased vascular leak following imatinib treatment in a murine model of acute lung injury.88Additionally, imatinib has been tested in patients suffering from acute lung injury, a disease characterized by vascular leakage, and demonstrate promising clinical efficacy. Here, CDH5 is linked to injury.