Effect of cytochalasin B on epidermal cell migration in vitro*

Epidermal cell migration occurs at the edges of human skin fragments when these are placed in a suitable medium containing serum. In this investigation, in which seventy‐four skin explants were used, it was found that cytochalasin B reversibly inhibited this migratory process. Inhibition was observed at concentrations of greater than 2μg/ml, and only in a small proportion of explants cultured in the presence of cytochalasin at a concentration of Iμg/ml. The reversible inhibition of cell movement by cytochalasin B has been thought due to the disruption of cytoplasmic microfilaments and it is possible that this is the mode of action of this substance on the epidermis as well.