Chorionic Gonadotropin, Human, alpha (hCGa)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein, which is secreted in large quantities by normal trophoblasts. It is present only in trace amounts in non-pregnant urine and sera but rises sharply during pregnancy. HCG is composed of two non-identical, non-covalently linked polypeptide chains designated as the a-and b-subunits. The a-subunit of HCG is nearly identical to that of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). A germ cell tumor which is positive for cytokeratin, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and HCG but negative for EMA and AFP is probably a choriocarcinoma.

Source:
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin alpha subunit (hCG-a), from human pregnancy urine.

Molecular Weight:
~14.9kD

Storage and Stability:
Lyophilized and reconstituted products are stable for 6 months after receipt at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile buffer. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.