Chorionic gonadotropin alpha

Chorionic Gonadotropin Alpha

Chorionic gonadotropin alpha is a glycoprotein hormone that plays a crucial role in the reproductive processes of humans. It is a recombinant form of the naturally occurring hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This hormone is essential for maintaining the corpus luteum and thereby supporting the early stages of pregnancy.

Structure and Function

Chorionic gonadotropin alpha is composed of two subunits, alpha and beta, which are non-covalently linked. The alpha subunit is common to other glycoprotein hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The beta subunit is unique to hCG and confers its specific biological activity.

The primary function of chorionic gonadotropin alpha is to stimulate the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, which is critical for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting embryonic development. It also plays a role in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics by stimulating the production of testosterone in the testes.

Clinical Applications

Chorionic gonadotropin alpha is used in various clinical settings, particularly in the treatment of infertility. It is administered to trigger ovulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies. In men, it is used to stimulate spermatogenesis in cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Additionally, chorionic gonadotropin alpha is used in the management of cryptorchidism in young boys, a condition where one or both of the testes fail to descend into the scrotum.

Production

Recombinant chorionic gonadotropin alpha is produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the hormone into a host cell, such as a Chinese hamster ovary cell, which then produces the hormone in large quantities. This method ensures a consistent and pure product, free from the risk of contamination associated with extraction from human sources.

Side Effects

The administration of chorionic gonadotropin alpha can lead to side effects, including headache, fatigue, and localized reactions at the injection site. In women, it may increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious condition characterized by swollen and painful ovaries.

Also see

• Human chorionic gonadotropin
• Luteinizing hormone
• Follicle-stimulating hormone
• Progesterone
• In vitro fertilization