HCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin reference standard for laboratory research. Lyophilized, HPLC-verified.
Read about HCG in the peptide library →The signed certificate for the current HCGlot isn't published on this page yet. Every lot is tested and the lot-specific COA is available on request — we will not show a certificate that isn't the one in your vial.
Request this lot's signed COA →For laboratory research use only.
Overview
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone of paired alpha and beta subunits, structurally close to luteinizing hormone but with a longer circulating half-life owing to its heavily glycosylated beta subunit. It is a long-standing reference standard in endocrine and reproductive-biology research. Note this is a glycoprotein, not a synthetic peptide.
Mechanism
Binds and activates the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), a class-A GPCR, driving Gs-coupled cAMP accumulation and downstream steroidogenesis through StAR protein upregulation. The extended half-life relative to LH derives from terminal sialic-acid residues that slow hepatic clearance.
Research applications
- LHCGR binding and cAMP accumulation assays
- Leydig and granulosa cell steroidogenesis models
- StAR protein expression studies
- Glycoprotein hormone structure-function comparisons against LH
- Immunoassay calibration and reference material
Reconstitution
Allow vial to reach room temperature before opening (at least 20 minutes). Reconstitute with 1.0 to 2.5 mL of sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). Inject solvent slowly down the inner wall of the vial; do not direct the stream onto the lyophilized cake. Swirl gently for 30 seconds. Do not vortex. Allow to dissolve for 5 minutes; clarity should be complete with no visible particulates.
Storage & handling
Reconstituted solution is stable for 28 days at 2 to 8 C in the original vial. For longer storage, aliquot into low-binding tubes and hold at -80 C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Discard if turbidity, color change, or particulate matter is observed.
Selected references
- 1. Fournier T et al. Human chorionic gonadotropin: different glycoforms and biological activity. Placenta. 2015;36 Suppl 1:S60-65.
- 2. Casarini L et al. Molecular mechanisms of action of FSH and hCG. Front Endocrinol. 2018;9:305.
HCG on PubMed
Independent published literature indexed on PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Provided for laboratory research reference only.
- PMID 39344322Hormonal and Allosteric Regulation of the Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin ReceptorFront Biosci (Landmark Ed) · 2024 · PubMed →
- PMID 28424471Human Luteinizing Hormone and Chorionic Gonadotropin Display Biased Agonism at the LH and LH/CG ReceptorsSci Rep · 2017 · PubMed →
- PMID 10548880Glycoprotein hormone structure-function and analog designRecent Prog Horm Res · 1999 · PubMed →
HCG questions
- What is HCG?
- Human chorionic gonadotropin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone of paired alpha and beta subunits, structurally close to luteinizing hormone but with a longer circulating half-life owing to its heavily glycosylated beta subunit. It is supplied as a lyophilized research reference standard.
- What purity is HCG, and is there a COA?
- Every lot of HCG is independently verified by Janoshik (reverse-phase HPLC for purity, mass spec for identity) to a ≥99% purity floor. The lot-specific Certificate of Analysis is tied to the number on the vial label and available on request.
- How is HCG shipped in Canada?
- HCG ships domestically across Canada, dispatched within 24-48 hours via Canada Post Xpresspost and arriving in about four days. No border to cross, no customs. Flat $25 CAD shipping, free over $200.
- How do I reconstitute HCG?
- Allow vial to reach room temperature before opening (at least 20 minutes). Reconstitute with 1.0 to 2.5 mL of sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). Inject solvent slowly down the inner wall of the vial; do not direct the stream onto the lyophilized cake. Swirl gently for 30 seconds. Do not vortex. Allow to dissolve for 5 minutes; clarity should be complete with no visible particulates.
- How should HCG be stored?
- Reconstituted solution is stable for 28 days at 2 to 8 C in the original vial. For longer storage, aliquot into low-binding tubes and hold at -80 C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Discard if turbidity, color change, or particulate matter is observed.
- Is HCG legal to buy in Canada?
- HCG is sold as a laboratory research reference standard, for laboratory research use only. It is legal to sell for that purpose and is not approved by Health Canada as a drug.
