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HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a glycoprotein hormone composed of alpha and beta subunits. Laboratory studies use it to investigate the LH/CG receptor, glycosylation, immunoreactivity and the relationship between structure and biological activity.
HCG structure
The alpha subunit shares features with other glycoprotein hormones, while the beta subunit contributes substantially to recognition specificity. Carbohydrate groups influence physicochemical properties and behavior in biological systems.
What can be analyzed?
- LH/CG receptor binding and activation
- cellular cAMP response
- immunochemical recognition of subunits
- glycosylation variants
- declared versus measured biological activity
IU is not a mass measurement
HCG is commonly expressed in international units. IU represents activity against a defined reference system, whereas milligrams represent mass. Results from different methods should not be compared without knowing the standard and assay validation.
Related laboratory material
See the neutrally labeled CG Peptide reference material 5000 IU.
Further reading
PubMed: HCG receptor and glycosylation
RESEARCH USE ONLY: This educational content concerns laboratory and scientific research. Peptiva research materials are not medicines and are not intended for use in humans or animals.