HCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Endocrine Research
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone best known from pregnancy biology, where it maintains progesterone production early on. In endocrine research it is studied for its action on the luteinizing-hormone (LH) receptor.
Everything below is provided for research context only. This is a laboratory research compound — not a medicine, and nothing here is medical or dosing advice.
What Is HCG?
HCG is a two-subunit glycoprotein. Its beta-subunit gives it specificity, while its overall structure lets it bind and activate the same receptor as luteinizing hormone (LH).
Specifications
- Class: glycoprotein gonadotropin hormone
- CAS 9002-61-3
- Format: lyophilized powder, reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for research
- Research focus: LH-receptor signaling, gonadal steroidogenesis, reproductive endocrinology
How HCG Works in Research
- LH-receptor agonism: binds the LH/HCG receptor, mimicking the LH signal.
- Steroidogenesis: in gonadal tissue this drives production of sex steroids (e.g., testosterone from Leydig cells).
- Reproductive models: widely used as a defined LH-like stimulus in reproductive-endocrinology research.
Where HCG Sits in Research
HCG is a classic endocrine research tool and is studied alongside other reproductive-axis compounds such as HMG.
Handling in the Lab
- Ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using aseptic technique.
- Store the sealed powder cold and dark (long-term at -4°F); once reconstituted keep refrigerated at 36–46°F and use within a short window.
- Minimize freeze-thaw cycles and vial punctures.
- Judge quality by the lot-matched Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity, mass-spec identity), not the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HCG?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone that activates the LH receptor, studied in reproductive and endocrine research. It is supplied for laboratory research use only.
How does HCG work in research?
It binds the LH/HCG receptor, mimicking luteinizing hormone and driving gonadal steroid production in research models. These are research findings, not medical claims.
How is HCG different from HMG?
HCG acts mainly as an LH-receptor agonist; HMG (menotropins) provides both FSH and LH activity. They are studied for different points in the reproductive axis.
What is HCG's CAS number?
9002-61-3.
Is HCG approved for human use?
This product is supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and nothing here is medical advice.
References
Peer-reviewed research and recognized sources supporting the statements above, provided for research context only — not medical advice.
- Cole LA. Biological functions of hCG and hCG-related molecules. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. View source →
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin — StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf. View source →
Research-grade HCG — third-party tested, certificate of analysis per lot, same-day US shipping.
Shop research-grade HCG →FOR LABORATORY AND RESEARCH USE ONLY. Golden State Bio supplies research-use-only chemicals for qualified researchers. Not for human or veterinary use; not evaluated by the FDA. Nothing here is medical advice.