HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

What is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone made of two non-covalently bound subunits: a 92-amino-acid alpha chain that is shared with LH, FSH and TSH, and a 145-amino-acid beta chain unique to hCG. It is produced naturally by the syncytiotrophoblast cells of the human placenta and binds the luteinising hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). GenoPept supplies HCG UK laboratories as a lyophilised research preparation in 2000 IU, 5000 IU and 10000 IU vials.

Because its beta subunit shares a large part of its sequence with LH, HCG acts as a long-lived LH-receptor agonist in preclinical models, with extensive carbohydrate side chains that extend its half-life compared with LH itself.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) research applications

HCG is used as a research reagent in reproductive biology, endocrinology, receptor pharmacology and assay development. The areas below summarise preclinical and in-vitro work and are not claims about use in people.

LH/CG receptor signalling

HCG is the standard agonist for stimulating LHCGR in Leydig cell, granulosa cell and transfected cell-line models, allowing researchers to measure cAMP production, steroidogenic enzyme expression and receptor desensitisation.

Gonadal steroidogenesis models

Animal and ex-vivo studies investigate HCG as a stimulus for testosterone production in testicular tissue and progesterone production by the corpus luteum, providing a readout for gonadal responsiveness downstream of the pituitary.

Ovarian follicle and oocyte maturation research

In reproductive biology laboratories, HCG is used to trigger final oocyte maturation and ovulation in animal models and in in-vitro maturation systems, making it a core reagent in embryology and assisted-reproduction research.

Placental and trophoblast biology

Research explores hCG as a marker and signalling molecule in trophoblast differentiation, implantation biology and placental development using cell-culture models.

Immunoassay development and standardisation

HCG is a reference analyte for immunoassay design, antibody characterisation and glycoform analysis, and its hyperglycosylated variants are studied in cancer biomarker research.

Mechanism of action (preclinical)

HCG binds the LH/CG receptor (LHCGR), a class A G protein-coupled receptor expressed on gonadal cells. Receptor activation couples mainly through Gs, raising intracellular cAMP and activating protein kinase A, which upregulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and steroidogenic enzymes. In preclinical models this drives testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells and progesterone synthesis in luteal cells.

The heavily glycosylated beta subunit, and in particular its C-terminal peptide extension, gives HCG a much longer circulating half-life than LH in animal models. The alpha and beta subunits must be correctly assembled for receptor binding.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) product specifications

Available sizes

GenoPept offers HCG in three activity levels, expressed in International Units, so that laboratories can scale from single receptor assays to larger animal-model studies:

• 2000 IU vial
• 5000 IU vial
• 10000 IU vial

Laboratories running larger studies can order it in bulk boxes of 10 vials at 20–50% below single-vial pricing through our bulk and wholesale page, with UK-only retail delivery.

Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)

This compound is supplied as a lyophilised powder and should be stored unopened at –20 °C for long-term holding, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, always protected from light. As a glycoprotein, HCG is sensitive to heat and to the shear forces of vigorous mixing, so reconstitute gently and keep working solutions cold.

To reconstitute for in-vitro work, add bacteriostatic water or another sterile diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then swirl gently until the powder dissolves. Never shake the vial, because shear can damage the molecule. After reconstitution keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the laboratory protocol. UK laboratories can also read our guides on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides.

Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis

Every batch of HCG sold by GenoPept is tested by an independent third-party laboratory, Puralytix (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited), using HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity confirmation. The resulting batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) is linked from the “View Certificate of Analysis” button on this page, and the complete library is available at genopept.co.uk/coa-certificates.

For a glycoprotein such as HCG, the LC-MS analysis confirms the identity of the protein while HPLC quantifies purity; both are reported on the batch COA. Our article on what a Certificate of Analysis shows explains how to read the purity chromatogram and mass spectrum. Orders are dispatched from the UK by tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery (£10, free on orders over £200), with automatic basket discounts of 5% over £300, 10% over £500 and 15% over £1,000. We accept bank transfer and crypto.

Related research compounds

• HMG 75 IU – a urinary FSH and LH preparation for studying combined gonadotropin action alongside HCG.
• Gonadorelin – native GnRH for stimulating the pituitary step above the gonad.
• Kisspeptin-10 – the hypothalamic upstream regulator of the reproductive axis.
• Triptorelin 2mg – a long-acting GnRH agonist for receptor downregulation studies.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) frequently asked questions

What is HCG used for in research?

HCG is used to stimulate the LH/CG receptor in Leydig cell, granulosa cell and transfected cell-line models, to study gonadal steroidogenesis in animal tissue, and to trigger oocyte maturation in embryology research. It is also a reference analyte in immunoassay development and trophoblast biology. All of these are in-vitro or preclinical applications.

How is HCG supplied and what purity is it?

GenoPept supplies HCG as a lyophilised powder in sealed, sterile glass vials of 2000 IU, 5000 IU or 10000 IU, each batch-identified with lot number and expiry. Every batch is independently tested by Puralytix (ISO/IEC 17025) using HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity, and the batch Certificate of Analysis is available from this product page.

How should HCG be stored in the laboratory?

Store unopened HCG vials at –20 °C for long-term holding, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water or sterile diluent, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the timeframe defined in your laboratory protocol. Because HCG is a glycoprotein, avoid heat, vigorous shaking and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Is HCG for human use?

No. HCG from GenoPept is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, it is not a medicine, and it is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. We do not provide dosing or administration information, and nothing on this page should be interpreted as medical advice.

What is the difference between HCG and HMG?

HCG is a single glycoprotein hormone that acts almost exclusively on the LH/CG receptor, mimicking LH in preclinical models. HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin) is a urinary preparation containing both FSH and LH activity, typically 75 IU of each per vial, so it stimulates FSH receptors as well as LH receptors. Researchers choose HCG for LH-receptor-specific work and HMG when both gonadotropin signals are required.

Research use only. HCG is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, it is not a medicine, and it is not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Read our research use only policy and guide to research peptides and UK law before ordering.