What is hCG?
hCG consists of an α subunit (shared with LH, FSH and TSH) and a specific β subunit with a long glycosylated C-terminus. Amounts are given in international units (IU).
More data in the lexicon entry on hCG.
State of research
hCG is one of the oldest hormones used in medicine; pregnancy tests detect its β-subunit. In research it is a tool for the LH/hCG receptor: it stimulates testosterone production in Leydig cells and progesterone production in granulosa cells.
Other topics are hCG's role in implantation and in maintaining the corpus luteum, glycosylation as the reason for its long half-life, and hCG as a tumour marker. In animal reproductive biology it is used to trigger ovulation.
Status and quality
hCG is approved as a prescription medicine and is on the WADA Prohibited List for men. The material offered here is not a medicinal product. Peptidkauf sells hCG solely as a research reagent for laboratory and in-vitro use and gives no dosing or application advice.
An independent laboratory tests every batch for purity (HPLC), identity and measured content before it goes on sale; the reports and their verification keys are in the lab report archive. The material ships as lyophilised powder in a glass vial; storage and laboratory handling are covered under storage & handling.
Related products and articles
More peptides of the gonadal axis: gonadorelin, alarelin, kisspeptin.
