Human tissues such as the isolated bronchus and urinary bladder respond to neurokinins with concentration-dependent contractions, which appear to be due to the activation of receptors. We characterized these receptors in the present study using agonists (the naturally occurring neurokinins and some selective agonists) as well as newly identified antagonists. The order of potency of the agonists in the two preparations was as follows: neurokinin A (NKA) greater than substance P (SP) greater than neurokinin B (NKB) (bronchus) and NKA greater than NKB greater than SP (bladder), which suggests the presence of NK-2 receptors. This was confirmed by data obtained with two antagonists, one of which was shown to be competitive and selective for NK-2 type receptors. It thus appears that receptors of the NK-2 type are present in humans along the tracheo-bronchial tree and in the urinary system.