AIM: To investigate the effects of entero-hepatic bile acid circulation on the inter-digestive migrating myoelectrical complex (MMC) in rats.METHODS: Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups.Three pairs of bipolar silver electrodes were chronically implanted in the antrum, duodenum and jejunum. Three groups of them were ligated around the upper part of common bile duct (CBD). The experiments were performed in conscious and fasting state. The gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity was recorded. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and saline were then perfused into stomachs of two groups with CBD obstruction and the effects of them on the MMC were observed.RESULTS: A typical pattern of MMC was observed in normal fasting rats. MMC of antral and duodenal origin disappeared temporarily in earlier stage of CBD obstruction. While MMC of jejunum origin appeared.increased MMC cycle duration was seen after 4 d in rats with CBD obstruction. The MMC after CBD obstruction was characterized by an increased duration of phase Ⅱ-like activity and decreased duration of phase Ⅰ & Ⅲ activity.Perfusion into stomachs with UDCA resulted in a shorter MMC cycle duration and a longer duration of phase Ⅲ of duodenal origin compared to the normal group.CONCLUSION: Entero-hepatic bile acid circulation initiates inter-digestive MMC of duodenal origin.