For laboratory research use only.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone used as an LH-receptor agonist tool in reproductive biology. Catalog preparations are reference materials; unit systems and bioassay conventions vary and must be read from lot documentation.
Glycoprotein hormone family
hCG is a heterodimer related to LH, FSH, and TSH. LH and hCG both engage LHCGR, which is why hCG is used experimentally when an LH-receptor stimulus is required (LH/hCG receptor regulation; gonadotropins overview). FSH activity is a different axis arm and is not provided by hCG alone.
Units and preparation differences
International unit labeling depends on bioassay standards that can differ by preparation era and manufacturer documentation. Mass-based labeling, when present, is not automatically interchangeable with IU without a stated conversion for that preparation. Bridging lots without reconciling unit systems is a common source of confusion in comparative work.
Sports and regulatory mentions
hCG appears in sports anti-doping discussions because of its endocrine effects; clinical-review literature has examined rationales for restricting hCG and related agents in sport (hCG sports-ban rationale review). That context is compliance-related, not a laboratory potency ranking.
Distinctions
hCG ≠ menotropin/hMG (mixed FSH+LH activities). hCG ≠ GnRH or GnRH agonists (different axis level). hCG ≠ kisspeptin ligands. Extensive medical endocrinology history exists for hCG; this research overview does not reproduce clinical protocols.
Sources
- Hormonal and Allosteric Regulation of the Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor. (Front Biosci (Landmark Ed), 2024, PMID 39344322)
- Gonadotropins. (2012, PMID 31644163)
- Clinical review: The rationale for banning human chorionic gonadotropin and estrogen blockers in sport. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006, PMID 16478815)