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 and monitoring of pregnancy. The placental hormone, hCG, is a glycoprotein consisting of two non-covalently 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 immuno-chemical specificity.
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 and monitoring of pregnancy. The placental hormone, hCG, is a glycoprotein consisting of two non-covalently 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 immuno-chemical specificity.