HCG

1. Product Identification

Product Name

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) - Research Grade

CAS Number

9002-61-3

Structure

Heterodimeric Glycoprotein (Alpha/Beta subunits)

Intended Use

For Laboratory Research Only. Not for human consumption or therapeutic use.

Catalog Number

[Placeholder for Catalog Number]

2. Product Description

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a complex glycoprotein hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy in females, though it has wide-ranging physiological and research applications. It is composed of two non-covalently linked subunits: a common alpha subunit and a unique beta subunit that confers biological specificity. The alpha subunit is virtually identical to the alpha subunits of other pituitary hormones, including Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH). The beta subunit, however, is unique and dictates the primary function and receptor specificity of the HCG molecule.

In physiological systems, HCG binds specifically to the LH/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor (LHCGR) found primarily on gonadal cells. This binding activates intracellular signaling pathways, most notably the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling cascade, which is critical for stimulating gonadal steroidogenesis (e.g., progesterone and testosterone production).

In laboratory research, the structural homology of HCG with Luteinizing Hormone (LH) makes it an invaluable tool for:

• Studying the structure-function relationship of glycoprotein hormones.
• Investigating receptor binding and activation kinetics of the LHCGR.
• Developing and validating immunoassays for reproductive hormone quantification.
• Modeling and studying reproductive physiology and endocrine signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo.

3. Specifications

The research-grade HCG is subjected to rigorous quality control procedures to ensure high purity and consistency for demanding scientific applications.

Attribute

Specification

Form

Lyophilized Powder

Molecular Weight

~36.7 kDa (Approximate Mass)

Subunit Mass

Alpha (~10.2 kDa), Beta (~15.5 kDa)

Purity

Verified via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Solubility

Soluble in aqueous buffers (e.g., PBS, distilled water)

Source

[Placeholder for Specific Source Material]

Appearance

White to Off-White Powder

4. Reconstitution and Storage

4.1. Storage

Unopened vials of lyophilized HCG should be stored long-term at , typically at -20°C or below, to maintain maximum stability and biological activity. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles if the product is reconstituted.

4.2. Reconstitution

1. Prior to opening, allow the vial to reach room temperature.
2. Gently centrifuge the vial briefly to ensure all powder is at the bottom.
3. Reconstitute the lyophilized powder in sterile, deionized water or a suitable buffer (e.g., Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS)). The recommended concentration for initial stock solution is [Placeholder for Concentration] mg/mL.
4. Add the diluent slowly to the vial wall and allow it to dissolve by gentle swirling. DO NOT VORTEX. Vigorous shaking or vortexing can lead to protein denaturation and loss of biological activity.
5. Reconstituted HCG solution is best stored at , typically 2-8°C, for short periods (up to Date). For longer storage, aliquot the solution and freeze at -20°C or -80°C.

5. Quality Control and Verification

The quality of this research-grade HCG is confirmed through several analytical techniques:

• HPLC/MS: Used to verify the overall purity and the exact molecular weight of the intact protein and its subunits, confirming both mass and homogeneity.
• SDS-PAGE: Employed to visualize the alpha and beta subunits separately under reducing conditions.
• Biological Activity Assay (e.g., cAMP Production): A functional assay is performed to confirm the ability of the HCG to bind to and activate the LHCGR, typically measured by the production of intracellular cAMP in a susceptible cell line. The minimum required biological activity is [Placeholder for Minimum Biological Activity] IU/mg.

6. Safety and Handling

This product is sold For Laboratory Research Only and is not intended for human or animal therapeutic use, diagnostics, or consumption. Standard laboratory safety protocols must be followed.

6.1. Hazard Identification

• Potential Hazards: While HCG itself is a naturally occurring hormone, the research-grade product should be handled with caution as a biochemical reagent. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not ingest.
• Exposure Controls: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) including laboratory coats, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area or a certified chemical fume hood.

6.2. Disposal

Dispose of the product and its containers in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations for laboratory chemical waste.

7. Related Research Applications

Due to its role as an LHCGR agonist, HCG is a versatile tool in the study of:

1. Reproductive Endocrinology: Analyzing the signaling pathways of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
2. Cellular Signaling: Investigating G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activation, internalization, and desensitization.
3. Gonadal Function: Stimulating steroid hormone synthesis in ovarian granulosa cells or testicular Leydig cells in vitro.
4. Assay Development: Serving as a standard or control in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and other immunochemical detection methods.

Further documentation on application protocols and detailed functional data is available in the supplemental material File.

8. Ordering and Contact Information

For technical support, bulk orders, or specific documentation requests, please contact our Technical Service Department at [Placeholder for Phone Number] or email [Placeholder for Email Address].

To place an order, please visit our website or contact a sales representative Person.

9. Revision History

Revision Number

Date

Description of Change

1.0

Date

Initial Release of Product Information Sheet

1.1

Date

Updated QC standards and Storage information

1.2

Date

Added section on Reconstitution Protocol

10. Important Notices

10.1. Disclaimer

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and is intended only to provide guidance on the use of this product. Users are responsible for conducting their own research and safety studies to determine the suitability of this product for their specific purposes. We make no warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, or any other warranty, express or implied.

10.2. Patent and Licensing

The use of this product may be covered by one or more patents. It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that their use of the product does not infringe upon any existing patent or license agreements. For licensing inquiries, please contact [Placeholder for Licensing Contact].

Please attend the upcoming webinar on Glycoprotein Hormone Research Methodologies on Date to learn more about the application of this product: Calendar event.