Effects of cytochalasin B on membrane-associated microfilaments in a cell-free system.

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Abstract
The mode of action of cytochalasin B was examined in vitro using bile canaliculus-enriched plasma membrane fractions isolated from rat liver. The pericanalicular microfilaments, which are mainly actin filaments and which are normally attached to the canalicular membranes, were dissociated from the membranes by cytochalasin B treatment. A microfilamentous network was found in the supernate of the cytochalasin-treated specimens and a number of polypeptides, of which a polypeptide corresponding in MW to actin was a notable member. Apparently actin filaments become detached from the canaliculus membranes by cytochalasin B.