Chorionic gonadotropin

Information about Chorionic gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin(kor" ee on' ik) (hCG) is a polypeptide hormone produced by the placenta following implantation of the fertilized egg. Circulating human chorionic gonadotropin interacts with the luteinizing hormone receptors of the ovary, promoting the corpus luteum and its production of progesterone which is necessary to maintain pregnancy and support the growth of the fetus.

Mechanism of action of Chorionic gonadotropin

Injections of hCG mimic the surge in LH that is necessary for ovulation and are used in the therapy of female infertility, in assisted reproduction techniques. In clinical trials, hCG resulted in pregnancies in approximately 30% of women. hCG prepared from urine of pregnant women and was approved for use in the United States in 1967 as treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in women desiring pregnancy. Subsequently, recombinant forms of hCG have been developed and licensed for use.

FDA approval information for Chorionic gonadotropin

Currently, hCG is available as a powder or in solution generically and under trade names such as Novarel and Pregnyl. Recombinant hCG is available as Overle. The dose and regimen of hCG therapy varies by indication and it should be used only by physicians with expertise in the management of infertility and hypogonadism. Common side effects include headache, nausea, anorexia, and local injection reactions. Uncommon, but potentially severe adverse events include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH) is a decapeptide, neurohormone produced in the hypothalamus and released in a pulsatile manner.

GnRH acts on the pituitary leading to synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH. GnRH activity is low during childhood and increases markedly during puberty. The proper pulsatile activity of GnRH is necessary for reproduction, but once pregnancy is established it is no longer necessary, gonadotropin activity being assumed by chorionic gonadotropin produced by the placenta. Synthetic GnRH is used as a part of assisted reproductive techniques as a means of controlling ovarian overstimulation. GnRH is available in solution for injection and its use should be restricted to physicians with expertise in assisted reproductive techniques. In addition, several synthetic GnRH analogues and GnRH antagonists have been developed as therapy of various conditions including hormone-sensitive cancers (breast and prostate), endometriosis and precocious puberty.

Obstetrical and Gynecological Agents

• Emergency contraceptive agents
  • Levonorgestrel, Ulipristal

• Estrogens and Oral contraceptives

• • Selective estrogen receptor modulators
    • Bazedoxifene, Ospemifene, Raloxifene
  • Infertility agents

• Antiestrogens
  • Clomiphene, Letrozole, Tamoxifen

• Gonadotropins
  • Chorionic gonadotropin, Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, Human gonadotropin releasing hormone

• Pregnancy termination agents
  • Mifepristone
• Progesterone and the Progestins

• Dailymed label info on Chorionic gonadotropin
• FDA Chorionic gonadotropin

Chorionic gonadotropin Resources
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