ObjectiveTo study the total amount of expression of RT1A, RT1B and RT1D gene antigens in different rat strains, their amount of expression in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, and provide support data for immunology researches.MethodsVenous blood was collected from the rats of BN, Lewis, F344, SHR strains. Lymphocytes were isolated, and reacted with fluorescent marker of monoclonal antibody. The amount of gene antibodies was assessed by flow cytometry. ResultsThe RT1A, RT1B and RT1D gene antigen expressions were different in different rat strains. Among them, the expression of RT1A antigen was highest in F344 rats, and expression of RT1B and RT1D gene antigens was highest in BN rats. The amount of expression of RT1A, RT1B and RT1D gene antigens on CD4 + and CD8+ T cells were also different. Among the studied rat strains, the expression of RT1A antigen on CD4+ T cells was highest in Lewis rats, and the expression of RT1B and RT1D gene antigens on the CD4+ T cells was highest in BN rats.. The expression of RT1A antigen on CD8+ T cells was highest in F344 rats, and the expression of RT1B and RT1D gene antigens on CD8+ T cells was highest in BN rats. A higher expression of RT1A, RT1B and RT1D gene antigens was found in the male rats than in female rats of the same strain. ConclusionsThere are significant differences between the total amounts of expression of RT1A, RT1B and RT1D gene antigens in different rat strains, and also significant differences between the amounts of their expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in these rat strains. Our results indicate that it is important to choose appropriate rat strain to provide reliable and proper results in immunological researches.