Gonadotropin

HCG

Humanes Choriongonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone of two subunits (α and β), produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Its β-subunit resembles luteinising hormone (LH); HCG therefore binds to the LH receptor. In men it stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone; in women it stimulates the ovaries (ovulation trigger). In fertility medicine it is used to mimic the body's own gonadotropic action.