We studied the effects of n-alcohols on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced Cl- current of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in primary culture by a whole-cell, patch-clamp technique. n-Alcohols (C1-C11) at the concentrations inducing anesthesia in whole animals enhanced the current evoked by GABA application to the neurons. Their potencies for current enhancement increased with their carbon chain length, leveled off for higher alcohols and completely disappeared at C12. The potency of the alcohols for current enhancement correlated well with their anesthetic potencies.