Angiotensin II receptors in selected brain areas were characterized into two distinct subtypes by displacement with specific antagonists. The receptor subtypes had different developmental patterns. Type-1 receptors, selectively displaced by the specific angiotensin antagonist DuP-753, were predominant in adult (8-weeks-old) rats. Type-2 receptors were selectively displaced by CGP 42112 A and were expressed remarkably in young (2-weeks-old) rats.