Objective:To observe the effect of salvianolate on the maturation and immunologic functions of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs).Methods: Mouse BMDCs were cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 for 5 days to obtain immature DCs (imDCs),then the imDCs were cultured in the presence of LPS (1 μg/ml) or LPS (1 μg/ml) plus salvianolate (50,100 and 200 μg/ml) for 48 h to obtain DCLPS,SVL,SVM and SVH.The immunophenotypes and antigen phagocytosis capabilities of imDCs,DCLPS,SVL,SVM and SVH were analyzed by flow cytometry and FITC-Dextran intake.The IL-12 p40 contents in the supernatants were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The stimulatory activities of imDCs,DCLPS,SVL,SVM and SVH on allogeneic T cells in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) were tested by incorporation of 3H-TdR; the contents of IL-10,IL-2 and IFN-γ in the supernatants of MLR were examined by ELISA.Results: Compared with DCLPS,SVL,SVM and SVH had lower expression of MHC-Ⅱ,CD40,CD80 and CD86 molecules,secreted less IL-12 p40 in the supernatant,and exhibited stronger antigen phagocytosis capability; moreover,SVL,SVM and SVH showed significantly weaker activity in stimulating proliferation of allogeneic T cells（P<0.05,0.01）.Compared with DCLPS,SVL,SVM and SVH groups had significantly decreased IL-2 and INF-γ levels in MLR supernatants（P<0.05）,but there was no significant difference in the secretion of IL-10.Conclusion: Salvianolate (50-200 μg/ml) can inhibit the maturation of mouse BMDCs in vitro,and thus has a negative effect on immunologic function of BMCDs.