Stable free-radical forms of plasma proteins or simpler related structures which induce brain excitatory effects.

Stable free radicals have been prepared from purified plasma proteins, pituitary peptides, and simpler related structures like 5-OH tryptophan and melatonin by oxidation with the free-radical nitrosyl disulfonate in alkaline solution under controlled conditions. The presence of tyrosine or trytophan amino acid residues in the protein was found essential for free-radical formation. These red-colored, stable free radicals showed electron spin resonance spectra in aqueous solutions at room temperature and maintained this characteristic for weeks when stored at 5 degrees C. Illumination, by visible light, of the free-radical proteins and peptides separated from excess nitrosyl disulfonate by salt fractionation or chromatography enhanced the free-radical concentration in the light. The increased signal decayed in the dark. Intravenous administration of the free-radical proteins or peptides into rabbits equipped with chronic cranial electrodes and sedated with a small dose of pentobarbital caused a sudden EEG arousal accompanied by behavioral changes indicative of brain excitation. Illumination of the free-radical compounds prior to administration enhanced the effects. Untreated control proteins or peptides had no effects. The observations are interpreted to suggest the involvement of free-radical structures in the transfer of energy in nervous tissue.