Abstract: Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) wherein the template comprises either a) a peptide or amino acid sequence that has an N-terminal histidine residue or b) histamine. The MIP's may be prepared in aqueous systems using reagents that are water soluble at the relevant concentrations. Also, the invention includes methods for using the MIP's as receptors or adsorbents for, or to determine the present or non-presence of, target molecules containing i) particular peptides or amino acid sequences having N-terminal histidine residue or ii) histamine.