Glad Mohesh MI, Latha R,
Chitra M
Department of Physiology, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College & Research Institute, Ammapettai, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

• Custom-built experimental set-ups have served the purpose before advanced machines were put into use in almost all laboratories across the globe. Prototype designs of machines in every walk of science have a chance to evolve and become the best of their kind in design and function. Zebrafish have nearly 70% of their genes coding for human protein, including disease-causing genes, and this has made them an important cost­ effective animal model. Research involving exposure to varied intensities and spectral frequencies of light utilizes zebrafish animal models and these studies need an experimental set-up that could help researchers study retinal damage in these animals. Thus the idea of devising an experimental set-up that could help to explore light-exposure-induced retinal damage in zebrafish was born. Commonly available low-cost materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, light-emitting diode (LED) panels from bulbs, glass aquarium tanks and insulated wires were used to build the experimental set-up. Lux meters and UV meters were used to determine the spectral frequency or intensity of choice for the experiment intended. Our custom-built device will suit any researcher interested in studying the effect of high-intensity visible light or UV rays on zebrafish. The set-up is easy to build and consumes very little electricity.Replicability of the model is high and requires less space, time and money. Our custom-built experimental set-up is being reported at this time of increasing research with zebrafish animal models in India which will be very useful for aspiring young researchers.
• Keywords: experimental tool, retinal pigment epithelium, zebrafish