Determination of endometrial receptivity toward embryo implantation
AssigneeThe Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
InventorBRUCE LESSEY
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods for detecting receptivity of mammalian endometrium to embryo implantation comprising obtaining a sample of the endometrium, contacting the endometrium with a monoclonal antibody for β3 and detecting β3 in the endometrium. The invention also provides for methods of diagnosing infertility in a mammal and methods of detecting the window of embryo implantation in endometrium. Methods of in vitro fertilization, methods of preventing embryo implantation and a method of monitoring endometrial maturation are also within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is also directed to contraceptives. Diagnostic kits useful in the practice of the methods of the invention are also provided.
Claims52
A method for detecting receptivity of endometrium to embryo implantation comprising:
- a. obtaining a sample of said endometrium,
- b. contacting said sample with a monoclonal antibody specific for β3, and
- c. detecting the presence or absence of β3 in said sample.
A method for diagnosing infertility in a mammal comprising:
- a. obtaining a sample of endometrium from said mammal,
- b. contacting said sample with a monoclonal antibody specific for β3,
- c. monitoring the appearance β3 in said sample, and
- d. repeating steps a.-c. with samples of said endometrium at a plurality of stages of the menstrual cycle.
A method of detecting the window of embryo implantation in endometrium comprising:
- a. obtaining a sample of endometrium,
- b. contacting said sample of endometrium with a monoclonal antibody specific for β3,
- c. detecting the presence or absence of β3 in said sample, and
- d. repeating steps a.-c. with samples of endometrium at a plurality of stages of the menstrual cycle.
A method of in vitro fertilization comprising:
- a. obtaining a sample of endometrium from a uterus,
- b. contacting said sample with a monoclonal antibody specific for β3,
- c. detecting the presence or absence of β3 in said sample,
- d. selecting for a sample having β3 present, and
- e. introducing a zygote into the uterus.
A method of preventing embryo implantation in a mammal comprising contacting the endometrium of said mammal with a neutralizing Fab fragment specific for β3.
The method of preventing embryo implantation in a mammal comprising a contacting the endometrium of said mammal with a peptide containing the sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic acid.
A method of monitoring endometrial maturation in a mammal comprising:
- a. obtaining a sample of the endometrium,
- b. contacting said sample with a monoclonal antibody specific for β3,
- c. monitoring the appearance of β3 in said sample, and
- d. repeating steps a.-c. with samples of endometrium at a plurality of stages of the endometrial cycle.
A contraceptive comprising a neutralizing Fab fragment specific for β3 in a therapeutically effective amount and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
The contraceptive comprising a peptide containing the sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic acid.
A diagnostic kit comprising:
- a. a monoclonal antibody specific for β3,
- b. Fab fragments specific for β3, and
- c. means for immunostaining said β3.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.