HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Research Compound Profile
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placental trophoblast cells during pregnancy. Structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), HCG binds to and activates the LH/CG receptor, making it a valuable research tool for studying gonadal function, steroidogenesis, and reproductive biology.
Molecular Profile
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Heterodimeric glycoprotein |
| Subunits | α-subunit (92 AA, shared with LH/FSH/TSH) + β-subunit (145 AA, unique) |
| Molecular Weight | ~36,700 Da |
| Glycosylation | Heavily glycosylated (~30% carbohydrate by weight) |
| Receptor | LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) |
| Half-Life | 24-36 hours (vs 20 min for LH) |
| Source | Placental syncytiotrophoblasts |
Mechanism of Action
HCG mimics the action of luteinizing hormone by binding to the LH/CG receptor (LHCGR), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed primarily on Leydig cells (testes) and theca/granulosa cells (ovaries). Receptor activation stimulates the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade, leading to steroidogenesis — primarily testosterone production in males and progesterone production in females.
HCG’s significantly longer half-life compared to LH (24-36 hours vs ~20 minutes) is due to its extensive glycosylation, particularly the unique carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP) of the β-subunit. This prolonged activity makes HCG a more practical research tool than recombinant LH for in vivo studies.
Key Research Areas
Male Reproductive Research
HCG is used to study Leydig cell stimulation and testosterone production, intratesticular testosterone maintenance, spermatogenesis support, and HPG axis dynamics.
Female Reproductive Research
In female reproductive research, HCG is studied for ovulation induction, corpus luteum maintenance, early pregnancy support, and follicular maturation assessment.
Endocrine Research
The HCG stimulation test is a standard diagnostic tool for assessing Leydig cell function, differentiating between primary and secondary hypogonadism, evaluating cryptorchidism, and studying steroidogenic enzyme activity.
HCG vs LH: Key Differences
| Feature | HCG | LH |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Placenta | Anterior pituitary |
| Half-Life | 24-36 hours | ~20 minutes |
| Glycosylation | Heavy (~30%) | Moderate (~15%) |
| β-subunit CTP | Present (24 extra AA) | Absent |
| Receptor | LHCGR | LHCGR |
| Research Utility | Higher (longer activity) | More physiological |
HCG from Aarise Healthcare
Aarise Healthcare supplies research-grade HCG with verified biological activity and purity documentation. Browse our hormone catalog or contact us for research supply pricing.
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