It is shown that the modified stimulated echo sequence, [theta](+/- x +/- y)-t1-[theta](+ x)-t2/2-[2 theta](+ x)-t2/2- [theta](+ x)-t1-Acq(+/- x +/- y), denoted as MSTE[2 theta]x according to the exciter phase of the 2 theta pulse, is able to perform proton spectral editing without difference spectra. On the other hand, this sequence appears to be suitable for spatial localization. Sensitivity and spatial selectivity of MSTE and conventional stimulated echo sequence (STE) are briefly compared. MSTE is applied to editing lactate in the rat brain using the locally restricted excitation of a surface coil.