The activity of Mg and Na-K activated ATPase of homogenate from rat brain cortex was measured in vitro under the variety of conditions. The effects of various hypnotic and tranquilizer such as phenobarbital, amobarbital, diazepam, promazine and chlorpromazine on the activities of both ATPase was investigated and the results was summarized as follows. 1. Na-K ATPase was slightly inhibited by phenobarbital and amobarbital while Mg ATPase was moderately activated by these drugs. 2. Both Mg and Na-K ATPase activities were markedly inhibited by diazepam. 3. Promazine and chlorpromazine markedly inhibited both Mg and Na-K ATPase activities. These findings indicate that remarkable correlation between hypnotic or tranquilizing potency and ATPase inhibition could be observed.