Cell swelling activates a regulatory volume decrease mechanism that implies activation of K(+) and Cl(-) currents and participation of P2Y(2) receptors. Because previous studies have shown that intracellular volume of TM cells is an important determinant of outflow facility, it seems feasible that cell volume regulation would be part of the homeostatic mechanisms of the TM, to regulate the outflow pathway.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate student's perceptions of Educational Climate (EC) in Spanish medical schools, comparing various aspects of EC between the 2nd (preclinical) and the 4th (clinical) years to detect strengths and weaknesses in the on-going curricular reform. MethodsThis study utilized a cross-sectional design and employed the Spanish version of the "Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure" (DREEM). The survey involved 894 2nd year students and 619 4th year students from five Spanish medical schools. ResultsThe global average score of 2nd year students from the five medical schools was found to be significantly higher (116.2±24.9, 58.2% of maximum score) than that observed in 4th year students (104.8±29.5, 52.4% of maximum score). When the results in each medical school were analysed separately, the scores obtained in the 2nd year were almost always significantly higher than in the 4th year for all medical schools, in both the global scales and the different subscales. ConclusionsThe perception of the EC by 2nd and 4th year students from five Spanish medical schools is more positive than negative although it is significantly lower in the 4th  year. In both years, although more evident in the 4th year, students point out the existence of several important "problematic educational areas" associated with the persistence of traditional curricula and teaching methodologies. Our findings of this study should lead medical schools to make a serious reflection and drive the implementation of the necessary changes required to improve teaching, especially during the clinical period.

The data show that in TM cells, open probability of the BK(Ca) channel is enhanced by membrane stretching as well as by membrane depolarization and [Ca(2+)](i). Changes in membrane tension induced by cell volume increase also activated whole-cell BK(Ca) currents. Homeostatic mechanisms in TM cells may involve BK(Ca) channel activation in response either to changes in cell volume or changes in IOP.

Spanish dental students felt that their EC was more positive than negative and considered that the different domains were positive and acceptable. However, they pointed out the existence of several educational problem areas associated with the development of a traditional curriculum. Accordingly, and in parallel with the implementation of an innovative curriculum in all Spanish Dental Schools in the coming years, immediate educational goals must address the problem areas identified, thereby further promoting a more positive perception of EC.