Cytoskeletal proteins and associated regulatory proteins are essential for maintaining cell structure and growth. β-actin is a major component of the cytoskeleton, and its remodeling is involved in lymphocyte migration, infiltration and apoptosis. However, little is known about the effects of changes in β-actin expression on lymphocyte cell fate, particularly during acute rejection after liver transplantation in a rat model. In our studies, grafts were harvested on days 5, 7 or 9 after Allogeneic liver transplantation. The acute rejection grade was histopathologically evaluated. Recipient-derived CD8+ T lymphocytes gradually infiltrated liver allografts during severe acute rejection. CD8+ T lymphocyte apoptosis increased to a peak on day 7 and then decreased. Changes in β-actin expression were consistent with the apoptotic rate of CD8+ T lymphocytes in both allografts and peripheral blood based on western blotting and immunohistochemistry results. Additionally, jasplakinolide, a β-actin-stabilizing drug, caused apoptosis of CD8+ T lymphocytes. In conclusion, our study is the first to describe the fluctuating expression and dynamics of the cytoskeletal protein β-actin and its potential role in the pathogenesis of acute rejection following rat liver transplantation. Our results enhance our understanding of the role of CD8+ T lymphocytes in acute rejection and suggest that β-actin regulation leads to T cell apoptosis.