HCG: Scientific Profile
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Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; CAS 9002-61-3): a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone (alpha and beta subunits) and LH analog that activates the LHCGR receptor. Reagent for research (in vitro/preclinical, RUO).
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; CAS 9002-61-3) is a glycoprotein hormone of the gonadotropin class, functionally analogous to luteinizing hormone (LH). It is a heterodimer formed by alpha and beta subunits, with 237 amino acids, a molecular weight of ~36,700 Da (~36.7 kDa), and about 30% carbohydrate content from glycosylation. It is naturally produced by the placental trophoblast. Its mechanism consists of binding to and activating the LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR) on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian granulosa cells, triggering Gs/cAMP/PKA signaling that stimulates steroidogenesis and modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. As a research reagent, hCG is used in in vitro and preclinical studies (RUO) on steroidogenesis, LHCGR pharmacology, experimental assisted reproduction, and HPG axis dynamics. Laboratory handling: reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; store lyophilized at -20 °C and for up to 30 days at 2-8 °C once reconstituted.
Mechanism of action
HCG binds to LH receptors in Leydig cells, stimulating testicular steroidogenesis.
Mechanism summary
hCG mimics LH: it binds the LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR) on Leydig and granulosa cells, activating the Gs/cAMP/PKA pathway that stimulates steroidogenesis (e.g., testosterone and estradiol) and modulates the HPG axis.
Clinical Studies (6)
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Betz D et al. · 2026) PMID 30422545.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Mediated Immune Responses That Facilitate Embryo Implantation and Placentation (Schumacher A et al. · Frontiers in immunology · 2019) PMID 31921157.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Breast Cancer (Schüler-Toprak S et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2017) PMID 28754015.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin treatment: a viable option for management of secondary hypogonadism and male infertility (Fink, et al. · Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2021) PMID 33345656.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin monotherapy for the treatment of hypogonadal symptoms in men with total testosterone > 300 ng/dL (Madhusoodanan, et al. · International Braz J Urol · 2019) PMID 31408289.
- Indications for the use of human chorionic gonadotropic hormone for the management of infertility in hypogonadal men (Lee, et al. · Translational Andrology and Urology · 2018) PMID 30159241.
Warnings
HCG is a compound exclusively for research use (RUO); the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its use in the laboratory:
- Requires medical supervision
- Models with known hypersensitivity to HCG or excipients
- Models with androgen-dependent neoplasia (prostate, male breast)
- Models with precocious puberty
- Gestational models
- Models with abnormal uterine bleeding of undiagnosed origin
- Models with an active thromboembolic history
Technical data
- CAS
- 9002-61-3
- Molecular formula
- C₁₄₈₈H₂₃₀₉N₃₈₁O₄₅₉S₁₇
- Molecular weight
- 36700 Da
- Compound type
- hormone
- Storage
- -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 24 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- 60 days refrigerated
- Light-sensitive
- Sí
Available for research
HCG está disponible como reactivo for research (RUO):
Frequently asked questions about HCG
What is HCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; CAS 9002-61-3): a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone (alpha and beta subunits) and LH analog that activates the LHCGR receptor. Reagent for research (in vitro/preclinical, RUO).
What is the mechanism of action of HCG?
hCG mimics LH: it binds to the LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR) on Leydig and granulosa cells, activating the Gs/cAMP/PKA pathway that stimulates steroidogenesis (e.g.
What is HCG researched for?
In preclinical research, HCG is studied mainly in: Stimulation of Leydig cells; LH mimicry; Endogenous testosterone production. Material for scientific research use only.
What are the chemical properties of HCG?
Molecular formula C₁₄₈₈H₂₃₀₉N₃₈₁O₄₅₉S₁₇; molecular weight 36700 Da; CAS number 9002-61-3.
How is HCG stored?
Condiciones de conservación: -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido; estabilidad liofilizado: 24 meses; una vez reconstituido: 60 días refrigerado; protéjase de la luz.
What routes of administration are studied for HCG?
In research models the following are described: Intramuscular, Subcutaneous. Use is exclusively for scientific research.