Method for preventing embryo implantation

• US 5,578,306 A
• Filed: 03/03/1995
• Issued: 11/26/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Ofpennsylvania
• Original Assignee: Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania (University of Pennsylvania)
• Inventors: Lessey, Bruce
• Primary Examiner(s): Eisenschenk, Frank C.
• Application Number:
  US08/400,270
• Time in Patent Office: 634 Days
• Field of Search: 424/143.1, 424/130.1, 424/152.1, 514/8, 514/2, 514/12-18, 530/324-330, 530/388.2, 530/388.22, 530/389.1, 530/300, 530/395
• US Class Current: 424/143.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 19/04 for embryo transplantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 35/48 Reproductive organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/00 Medicinal preparations containing peptides peptides containing beta-lactam rings A61K31/00; cyclic dipeptides not having in their molecule any other peptide link than those which form their ring, e.g. piperazine-2,5-diones, A61K31/00; ergot alkaloids of the cyclic peptide type A61K31/48; containing macromolecular compounds having statistically distributed amino acid units A61K31/74; medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies A61K39/00; medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients, e.g. peptides as drug carriers, A61K47/00
• CPC Class Codes: C07K 16/2848 against integrin beta3-subunit-containing molecules, e.g. CD41, CD51, CD61
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2333/70557 Integrin beta3-subunit-containing molecules, e.g. CD41, CD51, CD61
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2474/20 Immunohistochemistry assay
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/567 utilising isolate of tissue or organ as binding agent
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/57442 of the uterus and endometrial
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/68 involving proteins, peptides or amino acids involving lipoproteins G01N33/92
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/6887 from muscle, cartilage or connective tissue
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/6893 related to diseases not provided for elsewhere

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.

Claims

1. A method of blocking embryo implantation in a mammal comprising contacting the endometrium of said mammal with a neutralizing Fab fragment specific for the β

₃ subunit of integrin.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said Fab fragment is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said Fab fragment is from monoclonal antibody SSA6.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein said β

₃ is combined with a second integrin subunit.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said second integrin subunit is α

_v.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said Fab fragment is from monoclonal antibody 23C6.

7. The method of blocking embryo implantation in a mammal comprising a contacting the endometrium of said mammal with a peptide containing the sequence arginine--glycine--aspartic acid.