A new method of long-term culture of cytotrophoblast cells in serum-free medium has been developed. Cytotrophoblast cells were isolated with cold trypsin and purified by unit gravity sedimentation through BSA density gradients. The cells were cultured in the FD medium with supplement of EGF, insulin, transferrin and sodium selenite. They could survive over three weeks. The results showed that both EGF and insulin stimulated hCG and progesterone secretion and that sodium selenite elevated hCG output but not progesterone secretion. Transferrin produced synergistic effect with EGF and insulin on hCG and progesterone secretion but it was ineffective when used alone. This study demonstrates that the four growth factors mentioned above are essential for the survival of cytotrophoblast cells in vitro. It is therefore suggested that EGF, insulin and selenium may possibly be involved in the regulation of hCG and progesterone secretion in the human placenta.