The expression and changes of local cytokines network were detected in heart transplantation in rats, so as to determine the role of cytokines in the acute rejection of rats of heart transplantation. Allografts were divided into 4 groups (n=12 in each group): group A (control), group B (IL-2 monoclonal antibody-treated), group C (CsA-treated) and group D (IL-2 monoclonal antibody+CsA-treated). Hearts from DA rats were transplanted into a cervical location in Wistar recipients. The local expression of IL-1β, IL-2, CD25, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα and INFγ was detected at day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the survival time of allografts was 8.3±1.7, 29.2±7.1 (P＜0.05), 26.4±5.7 (P＜0.05) and 55.0±10.6 (P＜0.01) days respectively in groups A, B, C and D. The expression of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10and IFNγ was up-regulated, and that of IL-2, CD25, IL-5, IL-6 and TNFα was significantly inhibited in group A; The expression of IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IFNγ was up-regulated, and that of IL-2,IL-4 and TNFα was significantly down-regulated in group B; The expression of IL-1β, IL-2, CD25,IL-5, TNFα and IFNγ was up-regulated, and that of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 was significantly down-regulated in group C; The expression of IL-14, Il-5, IL-6 and Il-10 was up-regulated, and that of IL-1β, IL-2, CD25, TNFα and IFNγ was significantly down-regulated in group D. In conclusion,cytokines play an important role in the development of acute transplantation rejection. Different cytokines play different roles in different local environments.