We have functionally defined a number of B cell subsets that likely represent B cells at different stages of development, based on the pattern of CH isotypes expressed by their clones in splenic fragment or microcultures and on those factors necessary in culture to support the growth of a clone displaying a particular isotype or set of isotypes. Our observations are consistent with isotype switching being a stochastic process which results in the occurrence of progressive isotype restriction in members of a diversifying clone. The surface marker best predictive of the pattern of isotypes a clone may secrete is the sIg isotype of its B cell precursor. Those B cells that have switched to the expression of non-IgM isotypes in vivo can be stimulated in vitro in splenic fragments to give an antibody-secreting clonal culture but so far cannot be stimulated in a microculture of dispersed cells that supports clones secreting IgM alone or with other isotypes.