Methemoglobin exposure produces toxicological effects in macrophages due to multiple ROS spike induced apoptosis

► Methemoglobin exhibits cytotoxicity towards mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1. ► It causes apoptosis and cellular damage in macrophages. ► Methemoglobin induces multiple ROS spike in cytosol. ► Scavenging ROS by antioxidants give protection against MetHb induced toxicity. ► A potential role of MetHb in macrophage death and tissue damage.