Other Notes Effects a rapid increase of Golgi cisternae volume and subsequent loss of recognizable Golgi apparatus in treated cells1,2. Biochem/physiol Actions Brefeldin A (BFA) is a fungal metabolite which disrupts the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus. BFA is an activator of the sphingomyelin cycle. Brefeldin A-mediated apoptosis has been observed in human tumor cells.