Resolution of inflammation requires clearance of activated neutrophils by phagocytes in a manner that protects adjacent tissues from injury. Mechanisms governing apoptosis and clearance of activated neutrophils from inflamed areas are still poorly understood. We used dimethylsulfoxide-differentiated HL-60 cells showing inducible oxidase activity to study NADPH oxidase-induced apoptosis pathways typical of neutrophils. Activation of the NADPH oxidase by phorbol myristate acetate caused oxidative stress as shown by production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, depletion of intracellular glutathione, and peroxidation of all three major classes of membrane phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine. In addition, phorbol myristate acetate stimulation of the NADPH oxidase caused apoptosis, as evidenced by apoptosis-specific phosphatidylserine externalization, increased caspase-3 activity, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. Neutrophils aid host defense by killing invading microorganisms through production of highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) 1 generated by activation of the NADPH oxidase complex. When released inappropriately into the extracellular milieu, these ROS can cause persistent inflammation and considerable damage to the surrounding, healthy tissues. To prevent calamitous release of ROS, macrophages remove excess activated neutrophils from an inflammatory site in a regulated way, through processes that ensure swift resolution of inflammation yet make provision for neutrophils to fulfill their microbicidal function. Phagocytic cells carry out this clearance by recogniz-