The giant panda “Tuantuan” at the Beishi Zoo died of “obesity cell astrocytoma” and his brain shrank significantly. According to the zoo, there is also an individual who died of this disease in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, but experts believe that it is basically not inherited.
The giant panda “Tuantuan” at the Taipei Zoo died of illness in November. The zoo said today that the cause was “obesity cell astrocytoma”, which is a type of primary brain tumor and the cause of “Tuantuan”‘s epilepsy. Hold a press conference to explain.
Liu Zhenxuan, the convener of the medical care team and wildlife medical advisory group, said that according to the results of pathological anatomy, “Tuantuan” had a brain weight of 260 grams and a body weight of 107 kilograms. The ratio of brain weight to body weight was 1:412, compared with the normal average of 1:238. , showing that the brain of “Tuantuan” was obviously atrophied, and cystic cavities were also seen in the tissue section, which is the site of liquefaction necrosis.
Liu Zhenxuan said that astrocytomas are more likely to occur in humans and dogs, and some strains or races are easy to get, “I don’t think it’s genetic reasons.” In captive giant pandas, regarding 10% of individuals will have epilepsy. As for the case of epilepsy in old age, the team found one case, a 14-year-old female giant panda in the Chengdu Zoo in mainland China, who had epilepsy on January 3 last year and died on January 6. Later, following autopsy, it was found that it was also an astrocytoma, but more malignant.
Liu Zhenxuan said that this case has not been published in mainland China, but the team found it from the news media; zoo spokesman Cao Xianshao added that the number of panda individuals is not tens of thousands, and even fewer have been tracked following the onset of the disease. The information released now is almost Use the cases found all over the world to compare, and when the number of cases gradually accumulates, we will pay special attention when taking care of all individuals related to “Tuantuan” blood. If it is found that individuals are prone to this kind of brain tumor, it is reasonable The disease is suspected to have a genetic potential.
As for how to deal with the remains of “Tuantuan”? Cao Xianshao said that “Tuantuan” may be a relatively complete case of pathological anatomy in history. Various forms of samples will be preserved, semen will be collected and frozen, and living cells such as collagen blasts will be cultured. The first stage seems to be quite positive, but Whether it can be saved smoothly depends on the environment.
Cao Xianshao said that the bones and fur of “Tuantuan” are of precious value, but it is too early to say whether they will be made into specimens. The condition of the specimens is still being evaluated. If the condition is good, they will consider presenting them in different ways.
“Tuantuan” memorial meeting, Cao Xianshao pointed out that there is a memorial board in the Giant Panda Pavilion so that everyone can pour out their feelings for it. and life stories, and then let the public participate.
Responsible editor: Yu Weining
