HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone structurally similar to Luteinizing Hormone (LH), sharing the same LH receptor. It is produced naturally during pregnancy and plays a central role in reproductive biology research. This research-grade vial contains 5000 IU of lyophilized HCG.
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About this compound
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a 237-amino-acid glycoprotein hormone composed of an alpha (92 aa) and beta (145 aa) subunit. It binds the luteinising hormone receptor (LHR) with equal affinity to endogenous LH, making it the standard pharmacological tool for studying Leydig cell steroidogenesis, ovarian function, HPG axis regulation, and reproductive endocrinology. HCG has been in clinical use since the 1950s and has one of the longest and most extensively documented safety and efficacy profiles of any peptide hormone in medicine.
Research Data
Research Snapshot — HCG
Key Mechanisms & Pathways
- LH Receptor AgonismBinds and activates the luteinising hormone receptor (LHR) with equal potency to endogenous LH.
- Leydig Cell StimulationDrives testicular testosterone synthesis via cAMP/PKA/StAR pathway — the primary steroidogenic cascade.
- Granulosa Cell ActivationIn females, triggers follicular maturation and ovulation via LHR on granulosa and theca cells.
- HPG Axis ResearchThe gold-standard tool for studying the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in male and female models.
- Cryptorchidism ModelsUsed to evaluate testicular descent and Leydig cell function in neonatal animal models.
- Pregnancy / ImplantationMaintains corpus luteum progesterone production during early pregnancy; used in IVF support research.
Preclinical & Clinical Research Summary
| Research Area | Key Finding | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Testosterone Synthesis | Stimulates Leydig cell testosterone production via LHR/cAMP/StAR pathway. | Huhtaniemi I, 2018 — Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab |
| Ovulation Induction | Triggers follicular rupture in ART protocols; primary ovulation trigger in IVF. | Bosch E et al., 2020 — Hum Reprod Update |
| Hypogonadism Research | Restores testicular volume and testosterone in secondary hypogonadism models. | Raivio T et al., 2007 — N Engl J Med |
| Placental Biology | Maintains CL progesterone production; essential model for implantation research. | Stenman UH et al., 2008 |
References
- Huhtaniemi I. "A short evolutionary history of FSH-stimulated spermatogenesis." Hormones (Athens), 2015;14(4):468–478.
- Bosch E et al. "ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI." Hum Reprod Open, 2020;2020(2):hoaa009.
- Raivio T et al. "Reversal of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism." N Engl J Med, 2007;357(9):863–873.
- Stenman UH et al. "The clinical significance of human chorionic gonadotropin." Ann Med, 2004;36(1):5–14.
Specifications
- Sequence
- Glycoprotein — α (92 aa) + β (145 aa) subunits
- Molecular Weight
- 36,700 Da
- Amino Acids
- 237
- Half-Life
- 24–36 hours
- CAS Number
- 9002-61-3
- Vial Size
- 5000 IU
- Purity
- ≥99% (HPLC)
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- Reconstitution
- Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- Storage
- Sealed: 2–8 °C · Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 28 days
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For laboratory and in-vitro research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, not for consumption. By purchasing, you confirm you are a qualified researcher and accept full responsibility for compliant handling and disposal. Read the full disclaimers.