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Human corpus luteum: human chorionic gonadotropin receptors during ectopic pregnancy
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston 77030.
Objective:
To examine hCG receptor levels and binding kinetics in corpora lutea (CL) from tubal pregnancies.
Design:
Corpus luteum from tubal pregnancies, term normal pregnancies, and midluteal phase were obtained and compared for hCG binding.
Setting:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital.
Interventions:
Corpus luteum were obtained at elective cesarean section at term, tubal ligation, or surgery for ectopic pregnancy (EP).
Main Outcome Measures:
Human chorionic gonadotropin receptor levels, dissociation and association constants using saturation binding assay, and Scatchard analysis.
Results:
Corpus luteum from late tubal pregnancies (> 7 weeks) and term intrauterine pregnancies had undetectable hCG binding. Corpus luteum from early tubal pregnancies (< 6 weeks) had significantly reduced hCG receptors with higher dissociation constants than from midluteal phase CL.
Conclusions:
Significant reduction of hCG receptors with accelerated binding dissociation may be the basis of CL dysfunction in some EPs.