'alpha'v'beta'3 INTEGRIN AS A PREDICTOR OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Methods of predicting endometriosis comprise obtaining a sample of endometrium selected from menstrual cycle day 20 to 24, identifying the endometrial sample as nulliparous, contacting the endometrium with a monoclonal antibody for 'beta'3 integrin, assaying for 'beta'3 integrin and correlating the absence of 'beta'3 integrin with endometriosis, wherein the endometrium is identified as mild/minimum endometriosis. A method of using monoclonal antibodies to predict endometriosis is also within the scope of the invention. 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 'beta'3 and detecting 'beta'3 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.