Saturable specific binding of glycine to synaptosomal membranes from plexiform layers of the retina has been described, which seems to correspond to the modulatory site on NMDA-receptors (26). Spermine inhibited specific [3H]glycine binding to membranes from synaptosomal fractions from the outer (P1) and the inner (P2) plexiform layers of 1-3 day-old chick retinas in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 = 35 microM for the P1 fraction and 32 microM for the P2 fraction. Kinetic experiments and non-linear regression analysis of [3H]glycine-specific binding showed a Kd approximately 100-150 nM in both fractions, and a higher Bmax (4.11 +/- 0.47 pmol/mg protein) for the inner plexiform layer compared to the outer plexiform layer (Bmax = 2.76 +/- 0.25 pmol/mg protein). Strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine binding was inhibited by 100 microM spermine, due to a reduction in Bmax (P1 = 0.84 +/- 0.16 pmol/mg protein; P2 = 0.81 +/- 0.16 pmol/mg protein) without affecting the Kd. Association and dissociation constants in the absence and presence of 50 microM spermine remained unchanged. Results demonstrate the presence of a single modulatory site for spermine on NMDA receptors, in both synaptic layers of the chick retina.