ObjectiveTo explore the damage mechanism  of dopamine cells induced by amphetamine (AMPH).   Methods The damage  model of dopaminergic cells in mice was established by intraperitoneal injection of AMPH. The mice were randomly grouped into control, saline, amphetamine treatment for 1 day, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. Each group contained 10 mice. The model of cell injury was established by use of AMPH in PC12 cells. The dopaminergic fibers of corpus striatum and PC12 cells were observed by the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence method , and changes of proteins in the protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β)/collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) signal pathway were detected by Western blotting.   Results AMPH caused the damage of dopaminergic fibers in the mouse corpus striatum and PC12 cells. Meanwhile, AMPH inhibited Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation levels, and increased phosphorylated CRMP-2 level. Nerve growth factor(NGF), an agonist of Akt, or SB216763, an inhibitor of GSK-3β protected PC12 cells against AMPH-induced toxicity through upregulation of Aat and GSK-3β phosphorylation and downregulated of phosphorylation CRMP-2. 

  Conclusion AMPH causes damage of dopamine cells via inhibition of Akt/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signal pathway.