2,4-dichlorophenol induces apoptosis in primary hepatocytes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through mitochondrial pathway.

•2,4-DCP could induce apoptosis in primary hepatocytes of grass carp.•The apoptosis induced by 2,4-DCP is mediated by the mitochondrial pathway.•2,4-DCP-induced apoptosis was regulated by the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.•ALC, a mitochondria protecting agent, was used to ascertain the mechanism of 2,4-DCP induced apoptosis.