The current study was undertaken to investigate the role of apoptosis in 17-oxo-17a-aza-Dhomo- 5-androsten-3b-yl phenyl acetate induced toxicity. Mouse macrophages were exposed to five different concentrations (0.01, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg/mL). Post-exposure, cell viability was evaluated at 18 and 24h points by DPD–xylene. The data showed time and concentration dependent increase in apoptotic cells at all the tested concentrations. DNA fragmentation was measured 48 h post-exposure and results for apoptosis biomarkers showed the cleavage of DNA into smaller units , further suggests that apoptosis may be a contributing factor in acute 17-oxo- 17a-aza-D-homo-5-androsten-3b-yl phenyl acetate induced toxicity.
