Latrunculin B is a cell-permeable actin polymerization inhibitor in vitro and in vivo by the formation of a 1:1 complex with monomeric G-actin[1].
Although the activity of latrunculin B is slightly weaker than latrunculin A, its short-term effect is comparable to latrunculin A. The presence of serum in the medium always containing latrunculin B gradually causes the inactivation of latrunculin B, so that the induced changes are instantaneous. Because of this, latrunculin B may produce fewer undesirable physiological effects than latrunculin A, making it more suitable for short-term studies[2].
References:
[1]. Wakatsuki T, Schwab B, Thompson N C, et al. Effects of cytochalasin D and latrunculin B on mechanical properties of cells. Journal of Cell Science, 2000, 114(5): 1025-1036.
[2]. Spector I, Schochet N R, Blasberger D, et al. Latrunculins-novel marine macrolides that disrupt microfilament organization and affect cell growth: I. comparison with cytochalasin D. Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton, 1989, 13(3): 127-144.