Chemical Properties
White or yellowish-white, amorphous powder.
Uses
Gonad-stimulating principle.
Application
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a chemical produced by the trophoblast tissue, which is usually present in the early embryo and will eventually become part of the placenta. Measuring hCG levels helps to identify normal, pathological and miscarried pregnancies. Measuring hCG is also beneficial for many cancers including choriocarcinoma and extrauterine malignancies.
Production Methods
CG is produced in the chorion.
Brand name
A.P.L. (Ferring Pharmaceuticals); Follutein (Bristol-Myers
Squibb); Pregnyl (Organon).
General Description
Glycoprotein hormone consisting of a 92-amino acid α-chain which is identical to that of LH, FSH, and TSH; and a distinct 149-amino acid β-chain. Produced by chorionic tissue and responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum during early pregnancy. Also produced by trophoblast cell neoplasms, which are marked by elevated free hCG β-chains and hyperglycosylated hCG.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Elevated levels of hCG is observed in trophoblastic cancer. hCG levels are indicators of pregnancy and β subunit is majorly present in urine samples. hCG isoform detection is useful in the diagnosis and management of trophoblastic related diseases including carcinomas.
Clinical Use
Choriogonadotropin alfa is obtained by rDNA technology and is biologically and chemically
identical to hCG of natural origin. It is used, like hCG of natural origin, for inducing ovulation in
women with anovulatory infertility. Following proper pretreatment with a GnRH antagonist or
superagonist to desensitize the pituitary, women participating in ART are treated with a folliclestimulating agent (e.g., menotropins) to effect the final maturation of the follicles within the
ovaries. Ultrasonograms are used to determine proper follicle maturation before the
administration of choriogonadotropin alfa to induce ovulation. A distinct advantage of this
product is that it can be self-administered by the patient via SC injection.
Veterinary Drugs and Treatments
The veterinary product’s labeled indication is for “parenteral use
in cows for the treatment of nymphomania (frequent or constant
heat) due to cystic ovaries.” It has been used for other purposes in
several species; refer to the Dosage section for more information.
