The relative distribution ratio of barbiturates between hyarocarbon interior and surface region of outer monolayer of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (RSPMV) isolated from rat whole brain was determined by employing the fluorescent probe technique. The two fluorescent probes N- octadecylnaphthyl-2-amine-6-sulfonic acid (ONS) and 12-(9-anthroyloxy) stearic acid (AS) were utilized as probes for hydrocarbon interior and surface of outer monolayer of RSPMV. respectively. The Stern-Volmer equation for fluorescent quenching was modified to calculate the relative distribution ratio. The analysis of preferential quenching of these probes by barbiturates indicates that pentobarbital, hexobarbital, amobarbital and phenobarbital are predominantly distributed on the surface region. whereas thiopental sodium has an accessibility to the hydrocarbon interior of the outer monolayer of the RSPMV. From these results, it is strongly suggested that the more effective penetration into the hydrocarbon interior of the outer monolayer of the membrane lipid bilayer could result in higher general anesthetic activity.