Description
hCG beta is the beta chain of hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), a 40 kDa glycoprotein hormone produced by trophoblastic cells of the placenta beginning 10 to 12 days after conception. hCG is made up of alpha and beta subunits that are non-covalently associated. The alpha subunit is similar to those found on the pituitary hormones FSH, LH ans TSH. However, the beta subunit is different in FSH, LH and TSH and are involved in conferring biological specificity. Maintenance of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy requires the production of hCG, which binds to the corpus luteum of the ovary which is stimulated to produce progesterone which in turn maintains the secretory endometrium. hCG 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 alpha and Beta subunits. The alpha subunit is identical to that of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Diseases associated with Hcg dysfunction include gestational trophoblastic tumor and hydatidiform mole, recurrent
