| abstract |
A method of controlling uterine implantation of embryos in mammals including man, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a carbohydrate preparation comprising as an active constituent a structural element having the formula:n wherein: n X is selected from -O-, -S- and -NR-, where R is hydrogen or an acceptable organic residue; n R₁ and R₂ are the same or different and are selected from H, OH, NH₂, NHAc and acceptable organic residues; and n R₃ is hydrogen, an organic residue or a carrier; nto a mammal to obtain presence in its uterine luminal environment of such a structural element; n antibody specifically recognizing such structural element; n a diagnostic method for determining mammalian fertility by determining the presence of structural element (I) in uterine cells or uterine secretion, n and a diagnostic method for determining implantation ability of mammalian blastocysts in vitro . |