LAB BI309(21)

BI309

Comparative Animal Physiology

PRACTICALS
Monday: 9am to 1pm
Tuesday: 9am to 1pm
Wednesday: 9am to 1pm

Laboratory: 010-102 (Biology)

Lab requirement:
Arrive ontime with closed shoes on and lab coat

Submit lab report during following wk lab session

Emalus Campus students will do

Online Lab Activities of some labs

Dr. Ketan Christi

Sr. Lecturer,
SAGEONS, USP
Phone: 3232425; 7215224
Email: ketan.christi@usp.ac.fj
LAB BI309(21) 2

LAB 1 HOMEOSTASIS CONCEPT: Glucose Tolerance Test

Laucala students
The aim of this lab is to understand the functioning of negative feedback mechanism of
homeostasis using avian model. In this lpractical there are several aspects to learn and
develop skill of physiological experiments. For example, you will practice with handling
of live animal for sample (body fluids, tissues etc) collection (animal restraining
principles, aseptic precautions, approach for blood collection etc), safety measures of
animal handling, analysis of variable (i.e. glucose) and physiological
interpretation/analysis of the results. Lecturer will demonstrate all steps so carefully
observe and note all of them. All students are expected to participate in this lab.
Requirements:
Animals : Live adult chicken
Instruments & : Glucometer with strips, clean, dry and sterilised hypodermic
others syringes and hypodermic needles, plastic droppers, 40% sterile
glucose solution, hand gloves (surgical), nose/face masks and
alcohol swabs.
Procedure:
Generally glucose tolerance test (GTT) is performed in an animal or human subject after
an oral ingestion of glucose solution. In this practical you will carry out GTT on chicken.
The change in blood glucose level is measured within two hours. Perform this lab in a
group of 5 to 7 students.
 Gather all required instruments; examine/check them for their specific size and use.
 Hold and restraint the bird gently. Learn principles of animal handling.
 Weigh the chicken and record the body weight (optional).
 On the bird’s skin, indentify superficial (visible) vein (preferably wing vein) for
blood collection.
 With all aseptic and safety precaution and using 24G 1” needle; 1ml syringe, collect a
fasting blood sample before feeding glucose solution. A drop of blood is required to
measure glucose level. Make sure you are using correct size needle & syringe and
with appropriate animal handling practices. Record fasting glucose level.
 Use a plastic dropper (2ml capacity) to feed about 10ml, 40% sterile glucose solution.
Instil the solution through wide-open beak slowly (i.e. 2-3 drops at a time and allow
the bird to gulp) to prevent aspiration in the respiratory tract.
 Collect a drop of blood samples after an interval of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90
minutes and 120 minutes of feeding glucose solution.
 Using a glucometer instrument, determine the glucose level (mmol/L) immediately
from all the collected blood samples (observe the demonstration carefully). Make sure
glucometer should be ready for determination as soon as blood is drawn from the
chicken.
 Tabulate your result values and plot a graph (Time vs Glucose level).
 Evaluate underlying physiological mechanism of glucose homeostasis.
Critical thinking/application
 Think a simple lab of similar kind that you can do yourself to strengthen your
learning on the concept of negative feedback mechanism of homeostasis.

To write a report: This lab will not be assessed

Dr. Ketan Christi