Protein kinase C peptides for use in withdrawal
A method for managing withdrawal from an addictive substance is described. The method involves administering one or more peptides having specific activity for the ε and/or γ isozyme of protein kinase C (PKC). The peptide(s) can be administered prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to administration of the addictive substance. Also described is a kit having at least one container containing a peptide having isozyme-specific activity for εPKC or γPKC and instructions for use.
1. A method for alleviating symptoms associated with withdrawal from an addiction to alcohol, comprising
administering a peptide having isozyme-specifice inhibitory activity for γPKC,
wherein said symptoms are selected from the group consisting of allodynia and hyperalgesia.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the peptide has the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:2.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the peptide is formulated for intracellular delivery.
4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the peptide is linked to a carrier peptide.
5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the carrier peptide is selected from the group consisting of a peptide derived from the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:3, a peptide derived from the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:15, and polyarginine.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the peptide is linked at its N-terminus to the carrier peptide.
7. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the carrier peptide has the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:3.
8. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the carrier peptide has the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:3.
9. The meth od accord ing to claim 1 , wherein the peptide has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the sequences identified as SEQ ID NOS:4-14.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the peptide is formulated for intracellular delivery.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the peptide is linked to a carrier peptide.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the carrier peptide is selected from the group consisting of a peptide derived from the sequence dentified as SEQ ID NO:3, a peptide derived from the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:15, and polyarginine.
13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the peptide is linked at its N-terminus to the carrier peptide.
14. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the carrier peptide has the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:3.
15. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the carrier peptide has the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:3.
16. A method for alleviating symptoms associated with withdrawal from alcohol, comprising
administering a conjugate comprising a peptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and an N-terminal cysteine residue cross-linked via an N-terminal Cys-Cys bond to a carrier peptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and an N-terminal cysteine residue,
wherein said symptoms are selected from the group consisting of allodynia and hyperalgesia.
17. A method for alleviating symptoms associated with withdrawal from alcohol, comprising
administering a conjugate comprising a peptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 and an N-terminal cysteine residue cross-linked via an N-terminal Cys-Cys bond to a carrier peptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 and an N-terminal cysteine residue,
wherein said symptoms are selected from the group consisting of allodynia and hyperalgesia.