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Immunoreactive human chorionic gonadotropin beta core fragment in human pituitary
R Hoermann1, G Spoettl, P Berger
1Department of Medicine, University of Essen, Germany.
Summary
The human pituitary gland produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) beta core fragment (hCG beta cf). This pituitary hCG beta cf is immunologically and physically distinct from luteinizing hormone (LH) beta fragments, similar to urinary hCG beta cf.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
Background:
- The human pituitary gland produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and its subunits.
- hCG beta core fragment (hCG beta cf) is found in urine during pregnancy, in trophoblastic tumors, and postmenopause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of hCG beta core fragment (hCG beta cf) in the human pituitary.
- To differentiate pituitary hCG beta cf from luteinizing hormone (LH) beta fragments.
Main Methods:
- Gel chromatography (Superdex 200) of pituitary extracts to separate hCG-related materials.
- Specific immunometric assays to detect and quantify hCG beta cf.
- Reversed-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for physical discrimination.
Main Results:
- Three distinct peaks of hCG-related immunoreactivities were identified: hCG, hCG beta, and hCG beta cf.
- Pituitary hCG beta cf was immunologically distinct from hLH beta and recognized by a specific assay.
- Physical properties of pituitary hCG beta cf were similar to urinary hCG beta cf, and distinguishable from hLH beta fragment.
Conclusions:
- Immunoreactive hCG beta cf is present in human pituitary extracts.
- Pituitary hCG beta cf is immunologically and physically distinct from the more abundant hLH beta fragment.
- The properties of pituitary hCG beta cf are comparable to those of hCG beta cf found in pregnancy urine.