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 alpha subunits of the three pituitary glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH, and FSH), but the beta subunit is unique and confers its biological specificity (CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, BETA SUBUNIT, HUMAN).
for alpha subunit, coordinate with GLYCOPROTEIN HORMONES, ALPHA SUBUNIT; CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN, BETA SUBUNIT, HUMAN is also available
Other names HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin); Chorionic Gonadotropin, Human; Gonadotropin, Human Chorionic; Gonadotropin, Chorionic; Pregnyl; Human Chorionic Gonadotropin; Gonabion; Chorulon; Choriogonin; Choriogonadotropin; Biogonadil
