Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

The Mediscope is a digital handheld microscope (Optipix) connected to a computer using Optilia 2.0MP Camera Version 2.0.3. The mediscope can be used with three objectives: 20X, 50X and 200X. Digital pictures can be taken using its software “Optipix”. The microscope was used to visualize the brood patch skin in the normal condition and in the presence of nitric oxide gel.

Experimental protocol

The study was conducted with 3 Jungle fowls (2 non-broody and 1 broody birds) and 4 Zebra finches (non- broody and broody). Jungle fowls were tested without anesthetising whereas Zebra finches were anesthetized using 3% isoflurane. 50X maginification was used to focus the brood patch skin for both jungle fowls and Zebra finches. Initially 50µl of Klick gel was applied on the brood patch skin of jungle fowls and allowed for one minute. Then the klick gel was wiped out gently and 3 photos were captured at the interval of 10 seconds. These were taken as the control pictures. Then 50µl Nitric oxide gel (25µl ascorbic acid gel + 25µl sodium nitrite gel) was applied on the skin and allowed for one minute, wiped out and 3 pictures were taken at the interval of 10 seconds. Similar protocol was followed for Zebra finches with 20µl of gels.