Ultrastructure of “Twin Oocytes” in the Ovaries of the Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Abstract

Two pairs of the ovaries were obtained from two giant pandas which accidentally died due to hepatic disease and senility. Of these ovaries, one pair of “twin oocytes” was collected from each pair of ovaries and processed for histological observation with an electron microscope. The results from this study suggest the possibility of the existance of “twin oocytes” in the follicle and of a higher rate of twinning in the giant panda.