Objective: To investigate the nongenomic effects of steroids on the glycine uptake in synaptosomes and to further elaborate on the physiological functio n of steroids. Methods: In synaptosomes of cerebellum or spinal co rd loaded with labeled glycine, the uptakes of glycine without and with steroids were measured by liquid scintillation technique. Results: Cortico sterone and progesterone stimulated the glycine uptake in synaptosomes of cerebe llum, but estradiol and deoxycorticosterone could not, which demonstrated that the effects of steroids were specific. Corticosterone, progesterone, estradiol a nd deoxycorticosterone showed no effects on the glycine uptake in spinal cord sy naptosomes. Conclusion: The mechanisms of the rapid stimulating ef fects of corticosterone and progesterone on the glycine uptake in synaptosomes o f cerebellum are nongenomic.