Neurotoxic esterase (NTE) is the putative target protein in the nervous system for the initiation of organophosphorus-induced delayed neuropathy. Here it is reported that NTE activity is present in rooster testis. Complete titration of rooster testis phenyl valerate esterases with paraoxon shows that about 15% of the enzymic activity is resistant to paraoxon. NTE activity after complete mipafox titration accounts for 30% of paraoxon-resistant phenyl valerate esterases and corresponds to 7.93 +/- 0.39 nmol/min/mg of protein (mean +/- SD, n = 7). Testis NTE is inhibited in vitro similarly to brain NTE by several organophosphorus compounds. Subcellular fractionation studies of the testis indicate that most NTE activity is particle bound. Testis NTE is also inhibited in vivo by several organophosphorus esters but to a lesser extent than brain NTE. Birds doses with organophosphorus compounds, causing delayed neuropathy, became grossly ataxic, but no testicular pathology was noted by light microscopy in roosters killed 15 days after administration. Serum testosterone levels also measured 15 days after dosing were not different from those of a control group. Recovery of NTE activity was faster in testis than in brain (4 days vs 6 days to recover to 50% of initial activity) in animals that received a high dose of an organophosphorus ester which cause delayed neuropathy.