Objective:To investigate whether monocyte-macrophages separated from the normal term placenta could differentiate into functional dendritic cells(DCs) in vitro. Methods:Mechanically separated monocyte-macrophages from normal term placenta were cultured in the transendothelial trafficking model for 48 h. The DCs induced from placental monocyte-macrophages were identified for their morphology and phenotype by scanning electron microscope, FACS and for their abilities of inducing proliferation of allogenic T cells by 3H-TdR incorporation assay. Results:After cultured in the transendothelial trafficking model for 48 h, the DC-like cells derived from the normal term placental monocyte-macrophages displayed characteristic morphology and expressed higher level surface antigen of CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR, and could stimulate the proliferation of allogenic T cells. Conclusion:In the transendothelial trafficking model monocyte-macrophages separated from the normal term placenta can be induced into functional dendritic cells(DCs).