HCG

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a natural glycoprotein hormone produced in large amounts by the placenta during pregnancy. It is structurally close to luteinizing hormone and acts on the same receptor in the gonads. It is supplied here as an analytical-grade reference material for laboratory research use only.

Because hCG and LH share almost the same receptor. hCG's shape lets it bind and activate the LH/hCG receptor on gonadal cells, and because it is longer-lasting than LH it provides a steadier, more convenient stimulus — which is why it has been used for decades as a laboratory stand-in for LH.

In part, yes. Some of hCG's research base uses primary human cells and human physiology work, such as measuring the testosterone response to hCG during puberty, reflecting its long history as an endocrine tool. None of that is medical guidance, and this material is for laboratory research use only.

In testicular Leydig cells, hCG binds the LH/hCG receptor and switches on the steroid-making pathway, prompting the cells to produce testosterone. Researchers use that response as a readout of Leydig-cell function rather than as any kind of therapy.

Not in the strict sense. hCG is a larger, two-subunit glycoprotein hormone rather than a short peptide, but it is grouped with the research peptides here because of its shared role in hormone-signaling research. It remains a reference material for laboratory use only.