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.