Fetal B lymphocytes in mice and humans use a limited number of the available VH gene segments. Mouse fetal B cells primarily utilize 3' VH elements, suggesting that the localization of these elements determines their rearrangement frequency. The previously reported non-random usage of human VH genes has been more difficult to explain. In this study the authors analysed the expression of the most proximal 3' human VH element (VH6) using a monoclonal antibody (JE-6). VH6 expression was assessed in various B cell differentiation stages from fetal liver, bone marrow and spleen at 12-20 weeks of gestation. The authors demonstrate that the level of VH6 expression does not exceed a stochastic usage frequency. This suggests that the localization of VH6 does not significantly promote its expression during human fetal life, and that other factors must affect the usage of VH genes during human fetal development.