Modeling Rhinological Interventions in Rats: Expression of Protein P53 and Formation of Dark Neurons in the Hippocampus

The study investigated the correlation between p53 protein expression and the presence of dark neurons in the hippocampus of 15 male Wistar rats following experimental septoplasty. Results showed a significant increase in p53-positive neurons in the CA1 subfield on days 2, 4, and 6 post-operation, with a peak in expression on days 2-4. In CA3, p53 expression increased consistently post-surgery compared to controls. A strong positive association was found between the number of dark and p53-positive neurons across all hippocampal subfields. The findings suggested that the appearance of these neurons is a typical stress response, with p53 potentially playing both apoptotic and neuroprotective roles. Future research should explore the mechanisms of p53 expression and its impact on neuron fate.