Perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced apoptosis of cerebellar granule cells is mediated by ERK 1/2 pathway

► Signaling pathway in PFOS-induced apoptosis was investigated. ► PFOS selectively increased ERK in cerebellar granule cells. ► PFOS-induced apoptosis was reduced by inhibition of ERK. ► PKC was an upstream regulator of ERK activation, which led to PFOS-induced apoptosis.