Induction of p53-mediated apoptosis in splenocytes and thymocytes of C57BL/6 mice exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

► PFOS immunotoxicity is caused by induction of apoptosis via the p53 activation. ► PFOS exposure can induce down regulation of Bcl-xl. ► Mitochondria are involved in PFOS-induced apoptosis. ► PFOS exposure can cause the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3.