The present invention relates to a solution for preservation, perfusion, and/orreperfusion of an organ, especially the heart, for transplantation. The solutioncontains peptide inhibitor(s) of protein kinase C βII (PKC βII)and/or of protein kinase C ζ (PKC ζ) and/or peptide activator(s)of protein kinase C δ (PKCδ). Methods for using the inventive solutionare also disclosed, including methods for preserving an organ for transplantation,for protecting an ischemic organ from damage, for attenuating organ dysfunctionafter ischemia, for maintaining nitric oxide release and/or inhibiting superoxiderelease in an ischemic organ, and for protecting an organ from damage when isolatedfrom the circulatory system.
