['Patients with malnutrition are susceptible to infection. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are the major effector of the nonspecific immune response in host resistance to infection. Dietary restriction may impair PMN-mediated immunity in the peritoneal cavity by reducing PMN exudation, adhesion molecule expression on PMNs, and chemokine production.', 'Randomized study of murine glycogen-induced peritonitis with dietary restriction.', 'University research laboratory.', 'Male C57BL/6J mice.', 'Mice (N = 204) were assigned to ad libitum, moderate, and severe diet-restricted groups receiving mouse chow ad libitum (132 g/kg, 66 g/kg, and 33 g/kg daily for 7 days, respectively). After dietary restriction with or without 1 day of refeeding, mice were administered glycogen intraperitoneally to induce cell exudation.', 'CD11b, CD18, and CD62L expressions on circulating PMNs, phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen intermediate production by exudative PMNs were measured after glycogen installation. The levels of PMN-specific chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), in peritoneal lavage fluid were also measured. These parameters were measured after glycogen installation in the refeeding experiment.', 'Seven days of dietary restriction decreased CD11b/CD18 expression on circulating PMNs, MIP-2 levels in peritoneal lavage fluid, and subsequent PMN exudation into the peritoneal cavity early in peritonitis. Both CD11b and CD18 expression on circulating PMNs and MIP-2 levels correlated significantly with numbers of exudative PMNs. Seven days of dietary restriction also impaired phagocytosis, while up-regulating reactive oxygen intermediate production by exudative PMNs. Only 1 day of ad libitum refeeding normalized CD11b/CD18 expression with PMN exudation into the peritoneal cavity.'] Does dietary restriction impair neutrophil exudation by reducing CD11b/CD18 expression and chemokine production?