
| Specification | Detail |
| Category | Gonadotropin & Reproductive Endocrinology |
| Product Name | Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) |
| Quantity | 5000 IU (International Units) |
| Formulation | Sterile Lyophilised Solution in Bacteriostatic Water |
| Delivery Method | 3ml Precision Reconstituted Pen |
| CAS Number | 9002-61-3 |
| Structure | Glycoprotein ($\alpha$-subunit: 92 aa, $\beta$-subunit: 145 aa) |
| Molecular Weight | $\approx 36,700 \text{ Da}$ |
| Purity | >98% (SE-HPLC Analysis) |
£99.00
Abstract The HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) 5000IU pen features a high-purity, reduced-volume preparation of the heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone. Comprising a specific α-subunit (identical to LH, FSH, and TSH) and a unique β-subunit that confers receptor specificity, HCG acts as a potent structural and functional analogue of Luteinising Hormone (LH). This 5000IU formulation is the fundamental reagent for investigating the stimulation of Leydig cells in the testis and thecal cells in the ovary. It is extensively utilised in research models of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to assess the recovery of intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels and the reactivation of steroidogenesis following suppression of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis.
Primary Biological Pathway: LH/CG Receptor Agonism The primary mechanism of HCG is its binding affinity for the Luteinising Hormone/Choriogonadotropin Receptor (LHCGR), a G-protein coupled receptor. Upon binding to Leydig cells, HCG triggers the Gs-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase, increasing intracellular cAMP levels. This cascade activates Protein Kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates the StAR protein (Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein), the rate-limiting step in transporting cholesterol into the mitochondria for conversion to pregnenolone. Research utilising the 5000IU pen focuses on quantifying the kinetics of this steroidogenic reactivation in tissues that have become atrophic due to lack of endogenous LH signaling.
Secondary Research Finding: Spermatogenesis Maintenance While FSH is traditionally associated with spermatogenesis, high levels of Intratesticular Testosterone (ITT) driven by LH (or HCG) are absolutely critical for the progression of spermatids. The 5000IU format is used in models of azoospermia to determine the threshold of ITT required to maintain qualitative spermatogenesis. Researchers utilise this reagent to map the paracrine signalling between HCG-stimulated Leydig cells and the Sertoli cells that nurse the developing gametes.
Tertiary Research Finding: Luteal Phase Support and Oocyte Maturation In ovarian research, HCG is the standard surrogate for the “LH Surge.” It is utilised to trigger the final maturation of oocytes in follicle culture systems and to maintain the secretory function of the corpus luteum (progesterone production). The 5000IU concentration allows for the precise simulation of the mid-cycle surge in in vitro fertilization (IVF) research models, specifically investigating the prevention of premature luteolysis.
Long-term Genomic and Safety Observations A critical phenomenon in HCG research is Receptor Desensitisation. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of HCG can lead to the downregulation and internalisation of the LHCGR, rendering the tissue refractory to further stimulation. Genomic studies utilising the 5000IU pen are currently investigating the transcriptional repression of the Lhcgr gene to establish “pulsatile” versus “bolus” dosing protocols that maximise steroidogenesis without inducing Leydig cell desensitisation.
Purity: Validated at >98+% via Size-Exclusion HPLC. We ensure the integrity of the heterodimer, as dissociated α or β subunits are biologically inert regarding receptor activation.
Appearance: The 3ml pen contains a clear, colourless, sterile liquid.
Precision: The pen delivery system ensures accurate volumetric dosing (in IU increments). This is vital for dose-response studies, as the difference between a stimulatory dose and a desensitising dose can be narrow in small animal models.
Storage: The product must be stored at 2∘C to 8∘C.
Refrigeration and Shelf Life The HCG 5000IU Pen contains a complex glycoprotein that is sensitive to thermal denaturation and physical shear stress. It must be refrigerated (2∘C to 8∘C). The shelf life is 12 months in the sealed state. Once the pen is accessed, the bacteriostatic environment preserves the solution for 28 days. Researchers should note that HCG is prone to losing bioactivity if the subunits dissociate; therefore, maintaining the cold chain is mandatory.
Shipping Stability We utilise medical-grade thermal packaging. The glycoprotein is stable for up to 72 hours at ambient UK temperatures. However, to minimise the risk of subunit dissociation, we strongly recommend selecting the fastest available shipping option.
Freezing Warning Do not freeze. Freezing can disrupt the non-covalent hydrogen bonds holding the α and β subunits together. A frozen and thawed HCG solution may contain high levels of free subunits, which are immunogenic and lack the ability to bind the LHCGR. A frozen pen should be discarded.
The HCG 5000IU Pen is the definitive tool for Gonadal Function Research. Traditional HCG comes in glass ampoules that require breaking and manual mixing with solvent water—a process that introduces sterility risks and dosing errors.
Our pre-reconstituted pen format provides a sterile, concentration-verified solution ready for immediate use. This is particularly advantageous for longitudinal studies (e.g., 4-8 weeks of administration) where daily preparation of fresh reagent is impractical and introduces variability.
For researchers investigating the upstream regulation of this axis, we recommend examining:
Kisspeptin 10mg: (For stimulating endogenous GnRH/LH release).
Gonadorelin (GnRH) 10mg: (For direct pituitary stimulation studies).
This product is strictly for Research Use Only (RUO). It is not intended for human consumption, injection (e.g., for Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) in bodybuilding or weight loss), therapeutic use, or diagnostic procedures. The information provided is for educational and scientific reference only. Purchase is restricted to verified research institutions and qualified individuals. Any evidence of intended misuse for human application will result in immediate order cancellation and blacklisting, in compliance with UK research chemical regulations.
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Fast UK shipping. Lab-tested quality. Strictly for research use only.