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

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 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 molecular weight to actin was a notable member. These results suggest that actin filaments become detached from the canaliculus membranes by cytochalasin B.