The present invention concerns protection of an organ or tissue outside of the central nervous system following an ischemic episode. In particular aspects, the invention concerns organ preservation for transplantation, angina pectoris, kidney reperfusion injury, and so forth. In specific embodiments, the organ is subjected to an inhibitor of an NCCa-ATP channel that is regulated by SUR1. Exemplary inhibitors include sulfonylurea compounds, such as glibenclamide, for example.
