Abstract: Histamine derivatives, immunogen conjugates comprising histamine or said histamine derivatives coupled to immunogenic carrier materials and antibodies prepared against such immunogen conjugates are disclosed. Such antibodies are useful in immunoassays for determining histamine release in biological fluids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting a gene encoding .alpha.amylase from a nucleic acid sample suspected of containing said gene. Said methods utilize oligonucleotide probes of consensus sequences deduced from highly conserved DNA sequences of various Bacillus species.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies capable of immunoprecipitating labeled dihydropyridine receptor material from digitonin-solubilized skeletal muscle triads are disclosed. Said antibodies recognize a 170,000 dalton protein subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor.

Abstract: A growth medium suitable for increasing the yield of plasminogen activator obtained from plasminogen activator-producing cells. The growth medium is composed of a 1:1:1 (by weight) mixture of Waymouth's MB752/1, Dulbecco MEM and Ham's F-12. The growth medium is preferably supplemented with growth factors.

Abstract: A therapeutic method of treatment of hemoglobinopathy by administration of a drug capable of blocking the Ca.sup.+2 channel in and out of muscle cells. Drugs known to possess this capability are 1,4-dihydropyridines, .beta.-phenethylamines, benzothiazepines, ethylenediamines and diaryl alkyl amines. These drugs are known to block the influx of Ca.sup.+2 into the cardiac muscle and are known to be useful in treatment of such heart muscle conditions as angina. It has now been unexpectedly discovered that such drugs can be used to treat hemoglobinopathy.

Abstract: A method for suppressing withdrawal symptoms in an opioid-induced tolerant or physically dependent individual is disclosed. The method comprises administering to such individual an effective amount of a calcium channel blocking drug or pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic salt thereof to suppress said withdrawal in said individual. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in suppressing withdrawal symptoms in an opioid-induced tolerant or physically dependent individual.

Abstract: Disclosed are 1,4-dihydropyridine immunogen conjugates of immunogenic carrier materials coupled to a 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative. Said conjugates are useful for the preparation of antibodies thereto which antibodies may be used in immunoassays for 1,4-dihydropyridine compounds. An affinity column useful for the purification of said antibodies is also disclosed.