The extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved in manganese toxicity in rat astrocytoma C6 cells

► We studied the molecular mechanisms involved in Mn neurotoxicity in astrocytoma cells. ► Mn cytotoxicity is mediated by reactive oxygen species generation. ► Mn-induced apoptosis involves the death receptor- and mitochondrial-mediated pathways. ► Mitochondrial fragmentation plays a relevant role in Mn-induced apoptosis.