The neurotoxicity of hallucinogenic amphetamines in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons

► “Ecstasy” (MDMA) and DOI promoted neurotoxicity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in cultured hippocampus neurons. ► MDMA and DOI mediated neuronal death was accompanied by activation of caspase 8 and 3. ► MDMA and DOI-promoted a significant increase in the 67 kDa band of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) in the mitochondrial fraction of exposed neurons. ► DOI promoted an increase of cyt c in the cytoplasmatic fraction of exposed neurons. ► Hallucinogenic amphetamines-induced neuronal death was dependent on 5-HT2A-receptor activation.