ABSTRACT
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is synthesized by cells of the placental trophoblast and by certain neoplasms. It is a member of a group of four glycoproteins that are normally synthesized in the pituitary: these include luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Such hormones are peptide dimers, composed of two dissimilar, noncovalently bound a and ~ subunits [1].
