A meal disrupts migrating motor complexes (MMC) in the rat intestine through stimulation of peripheral cholecystokinin (CCK)-B and central CCK-A receptors. The aim of this study was to determine pathways implicated in postprandial disruption of the MMC mediated by CCK. Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared with electrodes for electromyography in the small intestine, and ablation of vagal afferent C-fibers by capsaicin was carried out. Endogenous release of CCK was induced by oral administration of soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). In control rats SBTI disrupted MMC and generated an irregular spiking activity that lasted longer than 3 h. Intravenous infusion of L-365,260 (2 x 10(-7) mol/kg) but not of L-364,718 (3 x 10(-9) mol/kg) restored the MMC pattern. In capsaicin-treated rats, SBTI did not modify fasting activity. Infusion of CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) at 3 x 10(-9) mol.kg-1.h-1 disrupted the MMC, although the response was quantitatively and qualitatively different from SBTI. The effect was reversed by intravenous infusion of L-364,718 or L-365,260 and intracerebroventricular infusion of L-364,718. In capsaicin-treated rats, the intracerebroventricular or intravenous infusion of L-364,718 inhibited CCK-8 effects. However, the intravenous infusion of L-365,260 did not reverse the MMC pattern. These results suggest that the disruption of the MMC mediated by CCK is due to stimulation of peripheral CCK-B receptors located in vagal afferent fibers. This initiates a reflex including stimulation of central CCK-A receptors. Exogenous CCK also stimulates peripheral CCK-A receptors not located in capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferent fibers.