HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, is a heavily glycosylated two-subunit glycoprotein hormone and the longest-acting natural agonist of the LH receptor. Amino Club supplies it as a lyophilised research preparation for in-vitro laboratory use.
About HCG
The molecule is a non-covalent heterodimer: an alpha subunit of 92 residues shared with LH, FSH and TSH, paired with a beta subunit that is unique to HCG and carries a 24-residue carboxy-terminal extension. Both subunits are N-glycosylated and the beta extension carries O-linked sugars, and that carbohydrate load is what gives HCG a circulating half-life measured in many hours rather than minutes.
Despite the different polypeptide, HCG binds the same receptor as luteinising hormone, LHCGR, and signals through Gs, adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A. Functionally it behaves as a long-acting LH surrogate, which is precisely why it has been used for decades as a probe of LHCGR pharmacology rather than LH itself, and why its glycoforms are studied as a model of how glycosylation governs hormone clearance and potency.
What the research covers
In-vitro literature using HCG falls into three main areas. First, steroidogenesis: cultured Leydig and granulosa cells respond to HCG with cAMP accumulation and steroid output, a standard readout for LHCGR function and for receptor desensitisation after sustained exposure. Second, trophoblast and placental biology, where HCG is both product and signal. Third, assay and reference work, since HCG is the analyte behind pregnancy immunoassays and a reference standard for subunit-specific antibody characterisation.
Further reading in the Amino Club library: the sexual health and reproductive research peptides overview, where HCG sits alongside gonadorelin upstream and HMG as the mixed FSH and LH comparator.
HCG specification
- Strengths available: 1000iu, 2000iu, 5000iu, 10000iu
- Presentation: vial
- Purity: ≥99% by HPLC, identity confirmed by mass spectrometry
- Released against: the Certificate of Analysis for its own batch
Handling HCG
Supplied as a lyophilised powder in a sealed vial. Glycoprotein hormones tolerate dry storage well; laboratories generally hold the sealed vial refrigerated or frozen, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted glycoprotein solutions lose activity faster than the dry powder and are sensitive to surface adsorption at low concentrations, to repeated freeze-thaw cycles and to vigorous agitation, so they are usually prepared in small working volumes and kept cold.
Further reading: the HCG guide in the Amino Club research library covers the mechanism and the published work in more detail.
Certificates, delivery and terms
This batch ships with the Certificate of Analysis carrying the batch number printed on its label; how that is tested and released is set out on the lab testing page. Delivery, customs and returns are covered on the shipping page, common questions on the FAQ, and quantity pricing through bulk and wholesale. Supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only: not a medicine, not a supplement, not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing or administration guidance is provided — see the research use policy.
