eNOS-JNK1-AR signaling pathway mediates deltamethrin-induced germ cells apoptosis in testes of adult rats.

•Exposure to deltamethrin (DM) lead to apoptosis of germ cells and reduction of spermatogenesis.•Three signaling proteins: eNOS, JNK1 and AR are shown to be involved in the apoptosis process.•The proteins functions through the regulation of eNOS expression, S-nitrosylation of JNK1 and Ser650 phosphorylation of AR.•eNOS specific agonist and JNK1 specific inhibitor execute a pharmacological manipulation induced by DM.