Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising the step of ocular administration of therapeutically effective amounts of a nicotinic antagonist to control postnatal ocular growth or inhibit the development of myopia.

Abstract: An isolated DNA molecule encoding an .alpha.-bungarotoxin-binding protein (.alpha.BgtBP) subtype or a fragment of such .alpha. subunit is provided. The fragment of the .alpha. subunit is sufficiently homologous to specified DNA (FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B) so as to hybridize thereto under conditions of low stringency. Identification, characterization, isolation and sequencing of cDNA clones which encode two neuronal .alpha.BgtBP subunits, .alpha.1 and .alpha.2, is made possible. Such clones may be used as probes to identify further neuronal .alpha.BgtBP subunits, or as diagnostic tools to screen cholinergic agents and other drugs that may affect ligand binding, ion channel or other activity of intact neuronal .alpha.BgtBP subtypes.

Abstract: Improved asssays are provided for anti-acetylcholine receptor protein autoantibodies in the sera of patients with myasthenia gravis. The basis for the improved assays is the discovery that large quantities of acetylcholine receptor protein, that, for practical purposes in immunoassays, is immunologically indistinguishable from human muscle acetylcholine receptor protein, can be isolated from cells of the human medullablastoma-derived cell line TE671.

Abstract: Improved assays are provided for anti-acetylcholine receptor protein autoantibodies in the sera of patients with myasthenia gravis. The basis for the improved assays is the discovery that large quantities of acetylcholine receptor protein, that, for practical purposes in immunoassays, is immunologically indistinguishable from human muscle acetylcholine receptor protein, can be isolated from cells of the human medullablastoma-derived cell line TE671.

Abstract: Components for a biochemical assay system for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in humans. Acetylcholine receptor protein is extracted from non-human mammalian fetal muscle tissue. The acetylcholine receptor protein is then used in a bio-assay system as a complex of the acetylcholine receptor protein and a toxin labeled with a radioactive isotope.

Abstract: A serum assay system for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The assay system includes a complex of acetylcholine receptor protein and a toxin labeled with a radioactive isotope. The complex is incubated with a serum sample from a patient. During incubation, antibodies engendered by myasthenia gravis bind to receptor sites in the complex. The resulting complex containing the antibodies is precipitated by addition of anti-immunoglobulin. Radioactivity in the resulting precipitate is measured and compared with a control.

Abstract: A serum assay system for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The assay system includes a complex of acetylcholine receptor protein and a toxin labeled with a radioactive isotope. The complex is incubated with a serum sample from a patient. During incubation, antibodies engendered by myasthenia gravis bind to receptor sites in the complex. The resulting complex containing the antibodies is precipitated by addition of anti-immunoglobulin. Radioactivity in the resulting precipitate is measured and compared with a control.