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Related Concept Videos

Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Fertilization01:38

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Target Cell Response to Hormones01:22

Target Cell Response to Hormones

Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...

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Evidence for, and Associated Risks with, the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Supplemented Diet.

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Proportion hyperglycosylated hCG: a new test for discriminating gestational trophoblastic diseases.

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Direct analysis of hCGβcf glycosylation in normal and aberrant pregnancy by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians
04:37

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians

Published on: May 12, 2019

Human chorionic gonadotropin and associated molecules.

Laurence A Cole1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131, USA. larry@hcglab.com

Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics
|December 23, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) exists in multiple forms, not just the regular type used in standard pregnancy tests. Understanding these variants is crucial for accurate diagnosis in pregnancy and various cancers.

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Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
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Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens

Published on: May 23, 2014

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians
04:37

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians

Published on: May 12, 2019

Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
09:15

Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens

Published on: May 23, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a complex hormone with multiple molecular forms.
  • Regular hCG maintains pregnancy, while hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG) and its free beta-subunit are involved in implantation and malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of detecting different hCG variants in clinical diagnostics.
  • To address the limitations of current hCG tests in identifying all relevant hCG forms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on hCG structure and function.
  • Analysis of the detection capabilities of various commercial hCG assays.
  • Comparison of hCG variant production in normal pregnancy versus malignancies.

Main Results:

  • Most commercial hCG tests primarily detect regular hCG, missing crucial variants.
  • Hyperglycosylated hCG and free beta-subunit are significant in early pregnancy and various cancers.
  • Specific assays like the hCGbeta RIA and Siemens Immulite platform can detect all variants.

Conclusions:

  • Current hCG testing limitations may lead to diagnostic errors.
  • Accurate detection of all hCG variants is essential for managing pregnancy complications and cancers.
  • Further development of comprehensive hCG detection methods is warranted.