Inhibition of mucin release from airway goblet cells by polycationic peptides

Abstract

Polycationic peptides have been shown to be effective inhibitors of mucin secretion. Inhibition of mucin secretion using these polycationic peptides may be an important tool in the treatment of diseases associated with mucin hypersecretion, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of reducing mucin production in the airways of an animal comprising administering at least one polycationic molecule to the airways of the animal.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to    claim 1   , wherein at least one polycationic molecule is a polycationic peptide.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to    claim 2   , wherein at least one polycationic peptide is poly-L-arginine, poly-L-lysine, or a heteropolymer of lysine and arginine.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to    claim 2   , wherein the animal is treated for mucin hypersecretion.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to    claim 2   , wherein the animal is treated for asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to    claim 2   , wherein polycationic peptide is administered by inhalation.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to    claim 3   , wherein the polycationic peptide is a peptide having 5 to 60 amino acids.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to    claim 2   , wherein the polycationic peptide is a peptide having 5 to 60 amino acids, wherein at least 50% of the amino acids are lysine or arginine.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to    claim 8   , wherein at least 70% of the amino acids are lysine or arginine.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to    claim 9   , wherein at least 90% of the amino acids are lysine or arginine.  
     
     
         11 . A composition comprising at least one polycationic polypeptide and at least one inhalation adjuvant.  
     
     
         12 . A composition according to    claim 11   , wherein the inhalation adjuvant is a propellant that is a compressed gas propellant or a liquefied gas propellant.  
     
     
         13 . A composition according to    claim 12   , wherein at least one polycationic peptide is poly-L-arginine, poly-L-lysine, or a heteropolymer of lysine and arginine.  
     
     
         14 . A composition according to    claim 12   , wherein the polycationic peptide is a peptide having 5 to 60 amino acids, wherein at least 50% of the amino acids are lysine or arginine.  
     
     
         15 . A composition according to    claim 14   , wherein at least 70% of the amino acids are lysine or arginine.  
     
     
         16 . A composition according to    claim 15   , wherein at least 90% of the amino acids are lysine or arginine.  
     
     
         17 . A device for administering a polycationic peptide to the airways of an animal comprising an inhalator containing a polycationic peptide.  
     
     
         18 . A device for administering a polycationic peptide to the airways of an animal according to    claim 17   , wherein the polycationic peptide is contained within a pressurized pack.  
     
     
         19 . A device for administering a polycationic peptide to the airways of an animal comprising a pressurized pack containing a composition according to    claim 14   .  
     
     
         20 . A device for administering a polycationic peptide to the airways of an animal comprising a pressurized pack containing a composition according to    claim 15   .