Objective: To evaluate the dynamics of leukocyte activation in Sprague-Dawley rats on an LS and HS diet by determining the expression of complementary ligands for endothelial cell adhesion molecules on different leukocyte subgroups. Methods: Healthy SD rats aged 11 weeks were fed with standard food 0.4% NaCl (NS group) or food with 4% NaCl (VS group) for 7 days. Flow chart cytometry from full blood samples determines the frequency of cell populations and the expression of adhesion molecules. Results: The frequency of cell populations did not differ in experimental groups. HS dieting has caused a significant decrease in high expression CD49d + leukocytes. The expression of CD11b / c markers on granulocytes has not been changed by salt intake. The frequency of subpopulation of lymphocytes T between the examined groups was measured and the results showed no statistical difference. Median expression CD49d on T lymphocytes was not changed by increased intake of dietary salt. Median expression of CD11a markers was not changed in the CD4 + lymphocyte population but there was statistically lower CD3 + CD4 + expressing CD11a marking in HS group compared to LS group. Conclusion: High salt intake leads to activation of the immune system, leukocyte infiltration of the blood vessels that may lead to the development of atherosclerosis. Reduced regulation of expression of CD49d markers of adhesion molecules on high-release CD49d granulocytes and CD3 + CD4 + expression expressing CD11a molecule expression in HS group suggesting that these cells migrated through the endothelial layer of blood vessels to the site of future plaque formation. The results suggest that increased salt intake leads to the interaction of specific and innate immunity by activating monocytes / macrophages and CD3 + CD4 + T lymphocytes.