HCG: Research Profile, Dosages & Supplier Prices
HCG is a reproductive hormone research compound with a molecular weight of ~36.7 kDa and a research half-life of ~24-36 hours (biphasic). Human chorionic gonadotropin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta, composed of a 92-amino-acid alpha subunit (shared with LH, FSH and TSH) and a unique 145-aa beta subunit that confers its LH-like receptor specificity. It is an approved pharmaceutical with decades of clinical use in fertility medicine.
Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary use. Not medical advice.
| Sequence | Heterodimeric glycoprotein: 92-aa alpha subunit + 145-aa beta subunit |
| Formula | Glycoprotein (extensively glycosylated) |
| Mol. weight | ~36.7 kDa |
| Half-life | ~24-36 hours (biphasic) |
| Forms sold | Lyophilized powder |
What is HCG?
In research, HCG is the standard tool for studying LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR) signaling: it stimulates gonadal steroidogenesis, testosterone production in Leydig cells, and ovulation induction in reproductive models. It is also widely used in endocrinology research on hypogonadism and testicular function maintenance during suppression studies. As a complex glycoprotein it cannot be produced by standard peptide synthesis - legitimate material is recombinant or urinary-derived, which makes provenance verification essential.
Mechanism of Action (Research Context)
Agonist at the LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR), a Gs-coupled GPCR on gonadal cells. Raises cAMP, driving steroidogenesis - testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, progesterone in corpus luteum. The beta subunit's long C-terminal extension confers its extended half-life versus LH.
Research Areas
HCG Dosages in Research
Dosed in international units (IU) of biological activity, not milligrams. Clinical research uses 1500-10000 IU ranges depending on protocol. Research-context only.
Dosage information is a summary of published laboratory research and is provided for informational purposes only. These compounds are not for human use.
Storage & Handling
Lyophilized: 2-8C or -20C per manufacturer. Reconstituted: 2-8C, use within 30-60 days depending on diluent; glycoproteins are freeze-thaw sensitive.
HCG Supplier Price Comparison
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