B-hCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a sialoglycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 46,000 daltons.HCG is initially secreted by the trophoblastic cells of the placenta shortly after implantation of the fertilized ovum into the uterine wall. The rapid rise in hCG serum levels after conception makes it an excellent marker for early confirmation of pregnancy. Physiologically, hCG appears to maintain the corpus luteum, thereby allowing synthesis of progesterone and estrogens that support the endometrium. As uncomplicated pregnancies progress, the placenta assumes the production of these hormones. The serum hCG levels increase to a peak concentration, then decrease and plateau. HCG circulates as the intact molecule in the serum of normal women who have an uncomplicated pregnancy. The subunits are cleaved rapidly and cleared by the kidney. The placental hormone, hCG, is similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). All are glycoproteins consisting of two noncovalently bound dissimilar subunits, designated alpha and beta, with attached carbohydrate sidechains. The alpha subunits of these glycoproteins are very similar. In contrast, the beta subunit portions determine the biological and immunochemical specificities.The beta subunits of hCG and LH exhibit considerable homology in amino acid content. Amino acid residues specific for the beta subunit of hCG confer the immunochemical specificity.

<5.00 mIU/mL