The depressor activity of a novel nonpeptidic angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist, SC-51316 (2,5-dibutyl-2,4-dihydro-4-[[2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1'-biphenyl]-4 '- yl]-methyl]-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one), is described. In anesthetized, ganglion-blocked rats, intravenous administration of SC-51316 inhibited the pressor response to an infusion of AII. To determine antihypertensive efficacy, conscious, spontaneously hypertensive rats were administered SC-51316 (30 mg/kg intragastrically) daily for 5 days. Blood pressure was reduced in a similar manner to that observed with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril (10 mg/kg intragastrically). SC-51316 had no effect on heart rate. In conscious, sodium-deficient dogs, administration of SC-51316 (30 mg/kg orally) or enalapril (10 mg/kg orally) lowered blood pressure similarly over a 24 h observation period. Thus, SC-51316 antagonizes the activity of AII in vivo and is an orally active, antihypertensive agent.