Compound Identity
HCG at a Glance
Human chorionic gonadotropin — a placental glycoprotein hormone composed of two non-covalently linked subunits (alpha and beta). HCG binds the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and is one of the most extensively studied reproductive endocrine research compounds.
Compound Class
Human chorionic gonadotropin (glycoprotein hormone)
CAS Number
9002-61-3
Molecular Weight
~36.7 kDa (glycosylated heterodimer)
Structure
Alpha subunit (92 aa) + beta subunit (145 aa), non-covalent
Receptor Target
Luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR)
Half-Life
~24-36 hours (biologic); heterogeneous glycoforms
Homology
Alpha subunit is shared with LH, FSH, and TSH. Beta subunit is unique to HCG and 82% homologous to LH-beta.
Research Background
Published Literature
Peer-reviewed research characterizes HCG's receptor pharmacology, biochemistry, and biological activity across multiple domains. Sequence Labs supplies research-grade material; all product use is subject to laboratory research protocols and applicable regulations.
LHCGR Signaling
HCG binds the extracellular domain of LHCGR with high affinity, activating adenylyl cyclase, cAMP production, and downstream PKA signaling. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression increases.
Steroidogenesis
In Leydig cells, HCG stimulates cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone via CYP11A1. Downstream testosterone synthesis increases. In granulosa cells, estradiol synthesis is stimulated.
HPG Axis Research
HCG bypasses hypothalamic-pituitary regulation and directly stimulates gonadal steroidogenesis. Used in research to characterize gonadal function independent of pituitary LH output.
Isoform Complexity
HCG has multiple glycoforms — regular, hyperglycosylated (invasive trophoblast-associated), pituitary, sulfated. Each has distinct receptor kinetics and half-life.
Independent research publications on HCG are indexed in the NIH PubMed database. Consult primary literature for detailed methodology, dosing, and outcomes across research contexts.
Search PubMedSequence Labs Supply
Available Vial Sizes
All vials lyophilized under nitrogen with silver aluminum crimp cap and ivory-label spec. Manufacture and expiration dates printed. Batch-specific COA published in the COA library.
HCG (recombinant)
5,000 IU
$65 / vial
Lyophilized. Single-use vial. Silver crimp cap. Ivory label.
HCG (recombinant)
10,000 IU
$115 / vial
Standard research dose. Bacteriostatic water diluent recommended.
HCG (recombinant)
10-Vial Kit (100,000 IU total)
$995 / kit
Ten 10,000 IU vials. Institution/lab volume.
Quality Standards
HPLC + Mass Spec
Every batch, reverse-phase HPLC purity confirmation plus MS molecular weight identity. Chromatograms published.
ISO 17025 Lab
Analytical testing performed by ISO 17025 accredited independent laboratory. Full documentation.
Cold-Chain Shipped
Insulated packaging with -20°C gel packs. 3-day standard, overnight available.
Silver Crimp Caps
Tamper-evident silver aluminum crimp caps. Lyophilized under nitrogen. Ivory-label spec.
Reconstitution Reference
Standard Procedure
Reconstitution protocol for research-grade lyophilized HCG. Adjust diluent volume to reach the working concentration required by the research protocol.
Prepare Materials
Remove vial and diluent from cold storage. Allow to reach room temperature (~15-20 min). Sterile insulin syringe ready.
Sterilize Vial Tops
Swab both rubber stoppers with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Air-dry 15-30 seconds.
Draw Diluent
Draw 1 mL of bacteriostatic water. For a 10,000 IU vial with 1 mL diluent, working concentration is 10,000 IU/mL.
Add Diluent Slowly
Inject diluent down the inside vial wall. Do not inject directly onto powder. Do not shake.
Gentle Dissolution
Swirl gently until clear. HCG dissolves readily. Cloudy solution indicates improper reconstitution or degraded peptide.
Label + Store
Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2-8°C. Reconstituted HCG (with bacteriostatic water) is stable ~30 days refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
HCG FAQ
What is HCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by placental trophoblast cells during pregnancy. Recombinant HCG (produced in CHO cells or E. coli followed by refolding) is used in research to study LHCGR signaling and gonadal steroidogenesis.
How does HCG differ from LH?
HCG shares its alpha subunit with LH, FSH, and TSH. The beta subunits are ~82% homologous but HCG-beta has a longer C-terminal extension with additional glycosylation. This gives HCG a substantially longer half-life (~24-36 hours vs LH's ~20-30 minutes) while binding the same LHCGR receptor.
What is the difference between recombinant and urine-derived HCG?
Historically, HCG was purified from the urine of pregnant women (uHCG). Modern research grade is recombinant (rHCG), produced in CHO cells. rHCG has a more defined glycoform profile and no biological source variability.
How is HCG measured?
In International Units (IU) standardized against a WHO reference preparation. 1 IU corresponds to approximately 0.089 mcg of highly purified HCG.
What is the recommended storage?
Lyophilized HCG: store at 2-8°C for short-term or -20°C for long-term. Reconstituted HCG: refrigerate 2-8°C and use within 30 days with bacteriostatic water diluent.
Order HCG Research Material
Batch-tested lyophilized vials with published COA. Standard 3-day cold-chain shipping $15. Overnight $30. Same-day dispatch on orders before 2pm ET.