In the present study the contribution of cytoplasmic polypeptides thymosins beta 4 and beta 10 to the 1H NMR spectrum during the maturation of the rat cerebral cortex was assessed. In the proton spectrum intense broad peaks at 0.9, 1.22, and 1.40 ppm from thymosins decreased in size relative to the signal at 2.02 ppm in parallel to the reciprocal increase in the concentration of N-acetyl aspartate. Levels of thymosins beta 4 and beta 10 were under developmental regulation. It is concluded that peaks from thymosins may provide extended information for an NMR spectroscopist and thus they have to be taken into account in the interpretation of the newborn cerebral 1H NMR spectrum.