Chorionic Gonadotropin
| Definition: |
A gonadotropic glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the PLACENTA. Similar to the pituitary LUTEINIZING HORMONE in structure and function, chorionic gonadotropin is involved in maintaining the CORPUS LUTEUM during pregnancy. CG consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. Within a species, the alpha subunit is virtually identical to the three pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH, and FSH), but the beta subunit is unique and confers its biological specificity (CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, BETA SUBUNIT). |
| Notes: |
for alpha subunit, coord with GLYCOPROTEIN HORMONES, ALPHA SUBUNIT; CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, BETA SUBUNIT is also available |
| Also Called: |
Pregnyl,Biogonadil,Choriogonin,Chorionic Gonadotropin, Human,Chorulon,Gonabion |
Chorionic Gonadotropin Categories.
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Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human - The beta subunit of human CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN. Its structure is similar to the beta subunit of LUTEINIZING HORMONE, except for the additional 30 amino acids at the carboxy end with the associated carbohydrate residues. HCG-beta is used as a diagnostic marker for early detection of pregnancy, spontaneous abortion (ABORTION, SPONTANEOUS); ECTOPIC PREGNANCY; HYDATIDIFORM MOLE; CHORIOCARCINOMA; or DOWN SYNDROME. |
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Glycoprotein Hormones, alpha Subunit - The alpha chain of pituitary glycoprotein hormones (THYROTROPIN; FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE; LUTEINIZING HORMONE) and the placental CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN. Within a species, the alpha subunits of these four hormones are identical; the distinct functional characteristics of these glycoprotein hormones are determined by the unique beta subunits. Both subunits, the non-covalently bound heterodimers, are required for full biologic activity. |
Chorionic Gonadotropin Definitions and Terms
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