A series of neurotensin (NT) analogues in which each amino acid has been successively replaced by its D isomer, as well as analogues involving modifications at positions 3 and 11 and a cyclic compound [Cys2,13]-NT, has been synthesized by solid-phase methodology. After purification by conventional techniques the compounds were characterized by thin-layer chromatography, amino acid analysis, and optical rotation. Further characterization of the analogues by high-pressure liquid chromatography demonstrates the high resolving power of this new method. Each analogue was studied for its ability to induce hypothermia in cold-exposed rate (4 degrees C) in vivo and to bind to mast cells in vitro. Although close correlation in potencies was not found for all the analogues tested in both assay systems, they substantiate the basic observation that substitutions in positions 1-9 produced active peptides whereas modification of residues 10-13 considerably decreased biological response in vitro and in vivo. One exception is the higher potency of [D-Phe11]-NT and [D-Tyr11]-NT in vivo. The differences between the efficacies of these analogues in vivo and in vitro are discussed.