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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America logoLink to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
. 1972 Oct;69(10):2865–2869. doi: 10.1073/pnas.69.10.2865

Cytochalasin B: Lack of Effect on Mucopolysaccharide Synthesis and Selective Alterations in Precursor Uptake

Ronald H Cohn 1, Shib D Banerjee 1, Earl R Shelton 1, Merton R Bernfield 1
PMCID: PMC389663  PMID: 4263507

Abstract

Synthesis and secretion of mucopolysaccharide in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and in embryonic submandibular glands are unaffected by amounts of cytochalasin B that alter the morphology of these cells and tissues. The drug markedly and reversibly inhibits incorporation of [3H]glucosamine into mucopolysaccharide by preventing cellular uptake of the precursor, but does not affect incorporation of radiosulfate. Cytochalasin does not alter DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis, but stimulates the uptake of orotic acid and markedly inhibits the uptake of glucose. These selective effects on the transport of small molecules suggest that the primary action of the drug may be on cell membranes. Since processes unrelated to microfilament disruption may be altered by cytochalasin, great caution must be exercised in interpreting studies with the drug.

Keywords: glucose transport; DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; morphogenesis; microfilaments; plasma membrane

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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