This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pharmacology
The lymphocytopenia seen a few hours after administration of a large dose of prednisone to a patient with lymphocytic leukemia is due to ? 
Select and explain. 
A. massive lymphocytic apoptosis, B. Bone marrow depression ., C. Activation of cytotoxic cells, D. Stimulation of natural killer cell activity
A: massive lymphocytic apoptosis
Answer: A: massive lymphocytic apoptosis 
Explanation: Ans. is 'a' i.e., Massive lymphocytic apoptosis o Glucocoicoid induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in lymphoid malignancies.