Selective growth of a population of human basophil cells in vitro

An initially homogeneous population of basophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes was derived from human fetal liver cells grown in culture for 5-7 days. The cells were characterized as basophils by their morphology, histologic staining characteristics, and histamine content, and by the presence of IgE receptors on their surface. In this culture system the basophils were viable for up to 10 days.