Allethrin induces oxidative stress, apoptosis and calcium release in rat testicular carcinoma cells (LC540).

•Allethrin is cytotoxic to isolated Leydig cells and testicular cancer cells.•Cytotoxicity is due to free radical generation and altered antioxidant status.•Early apoptosis, loss of MMP, and increased p53 gene expression observed.•Allethrin induces BCL-2, caspase-3 activation and release of intracellular calcium.•Calcium release during allethrin toxicity may be VGCC mediated.