Formulations comprising antisense nucleotides to connexins

Abstract

A therapeutic and/or cosmetic formulation comprising at least one anti-sense polynucleotide to a connexin protein together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle is useful in site specific down regulation of connexin protein expression, particularly in reduction of neuronal cells death, wound healing, reduction of inflammation, decrease of scar formation and skin rejuvenation and thickening.

1 - 36 . (canceled)  
     
     
         37 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a connexin 43 antisense polynucleotide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in an amount effective for reducing connexin expression.  
     
     
         38 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 37  which is formulated for topical administration.  
     
     
         39 . A pharmaceutical compound according to  claim 38  wherein which comprises said composition comprises an amount of antisense polynucleotide sufficient for treatment of a wound.  
     
     
         40 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 37  formulated with a connexin antisense polynucleotide in an amount sufficient to downregulate the expression of a connexin protein in a mammal.  
     
     
         41 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 37  formulated with a connexin antisense polynucleotide in an amount sufficient to decrease cell death in a tissue of a mammal.  
     
     
         42 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 37  formulated with a connexin antisense polynucleotide in an amount sufficient to decrease inflammation in a tissue of a mammal.  
     
     
         43 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 37  formulated with a connexin antisense polynucleotide in an amount sufficient for treatment of a wound in a tissue of a mammal.  
     
     
         44 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 37  wherein said connexin antisense polynucleotide is targeted to a connexin selected from connexin 43, connexin 26, connexin 31.1, connexin 32 or connexin 36.  
     
     
         45 . A pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 37  wherein said antisense polynucleotide is targeted to connexin 43.  
     
     
         46 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 37  wherein said polynucleotide is a oligonucleotide.  
     
     
         47 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 37  wherein said polynucleotide is a unmodified phosphodiester oligonucleotide.  
     
     
         48 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 37  wherein said connexin antisense polynucleotide is about 12 to about 40 nucleotides in length.  
     
     
         49 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 48  wherein said connexin antisense polynucleotide is about 30 nucleotides in length.  
     
     
         50 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 49  wherein said connexin antisense polynucleotide comprises SEQ ID NO: 1.  
     
     
         51 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 49  wherein said connexin antisense polynucleotide comprises SEQ ID NO: 2.  
     
     
         52 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 49  wherein said connexin antisense polynucleotide comprises SEQ ID NO: 3.  
     
     
         53 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 37  formulated as a cream, ointment, gel, emulsion, or paint.  
     
     
         54 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 53  formulated as a gel.  
     
     
         55 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 54  formulated as a gel for topical administration.  
     
     
         56 . A pharmaceutical composition of  claim 37  wherein the polynucleotide is formulated for parenteral, intramuscular, intracerebral, intravenous, subcutaneous or transdermal administration.