The present invention relates to a solution for preservation, perfusion,and/or reperfusion of an organ, especiallythe heart, for transplantation. The solution contains peptide inhibitor(s) ofprotein kinase C .beta.II (PKC .beta.II) and/or of protein kinaseC.zeta. (PKC).zeta. and/or peptide activator(s) of protein kinase C.delta.(PKC.delta.). Methods for using the inventive solution are also disclosed,including methods for preserving an organ for transplantation, for protectingan ischemic organ from damage, for attenuating organdysfunction after ischemia, for maintaining nitric oxide release and/orinhibiting superoxide release in an ischemic organ, and forprotecting an organ from damage when isolated from the circulatory system.
