Objective:To investigate the cytoprotection and mechanisms of glycine(Gly) on the ATP-depleted SH-SY5Y cells of neuroblastoma. Methods:SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to ATP depletion in the presence or absence of glycine. The cell injury was assessed by measurements of ATP concentration,lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)release and ceu activity. Glycine receptor expression was analyzed by Western blot. Results:Gly was found to ameliorate a reduce in ATP level within 60 minutes of treatment with rotenone and antimycin A. After the treatment for 6 hours,Gly could reduce the LDH release and enhance cell activity. Meanwhile,glycine receptor was overexpressed under the stress,which was decreased by addition of glycine to cells. Conclusion:These results demonstrated that Gly protected SH-SY5Y cells from ATP depletion injury and alleviated over-expression of glycine receptor under stress.