It is a matter of ongoing debate whether newly generated granule cells contribute to epileptic activity in the hippocampus. To address this question, we investigated neurogenesis and epileptiform activity (EA) along the hippocampal septotemporal axis in the intrahippocampal kainate (KA) mouse model for temporal lobe epilepsy. Multisite intrahippocampal in vivo recordings and immunolabeling for c-Fos showed that the KA-induced status epilepticus (SE) extended along the septotemporal axis of both hippocampi with stronger intensity at ipsilateral temporal and contralateral sites. Accordingly, we found a position-dependent increase in proliferation (incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine) and neurogenesis (immunolabeling for doublecortin): Both were selectively increased in the ipsilateral temporal and entire contralateral subgranular zone, sparing the septal region close to the injection site. The newborn neurons were hyperexcitable and functionally integrated into the hippocampal network as revealed by patch-clamp recordings. Analysis of chronic EA also showed a differential intensity pattern along the hippocampal axis: EA was low in the septal portion with prominent sclerosis and granule cell dispersion but most pronounced in the transition zone where neurogenesis reappeared. In conclusion, SE stimulates neurogenesis in a position-dependent manner and coincidence of neurogenesis and stronger EA distal to the injection site suggests a proepileptogenic effect of increased neurogenesis.

In modern medico-legal literature, only a small number of publications deal with fatal injuries from black powder guns. Most of them focus on the morphological features such as intense soot soiling, blast tattooing and burn effects in close-range shots or describe the wound ballistics of spherical lead bullets. Another kind of "unusual" and potentially lethal weapons are handguns destined for firing only blank cartridges such as starter and alarm pistols. The dangerousness of these guns is restricted to very close and contact range shots and results from the gas jet produced by the deflagration of the propellant. The present paper reports on a suicide committed with a muzzle-loading percussion pistol cal. 45. An unusually large stellate entrance wound was located in the precordial region, accompanied by an imprint mark from the ramrod and a faint greenish discoloration (apparently due to the formation of sulfhemoglobin). Autopsy revealed an oversized powder cavity, multiple fractures of the anterior thoracic wall as well as ruptures of the heart, the aorta, the left hepatic lobe and the diaphragm. In total, the zone of mechanical destruction had a diameter of approx. 15 cm. As there was no exit wound and no bullet lodged in the body, the injury was caused exclusively by the inrushing combustion gases of the propellant (black powder) comparable with the gas jet of a blank cartridge gun. In contact shots to ballistic gelatine using the suicide's pistol loaded with black powder but no projectile, the formation of a nearly spherical cavity could be demonstrated by means of a high-speed camera. The extent of the temporary cavity after firing with 5 g of black powder roughly corresponded to the zone of destruction found in the suicide's body.

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