Human chorionic gonadotropin alpha-subunit in pregnancy

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
R Benveniste, A Scommegha

Abstract

We have validated a direct radioimmunoassay (RIA) which measures the alpha-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in pregnancy sera in the presence of large amounts of hCG. The levels of alpha-subunit in 124 sera from normal pregnancy women were measured and compared to the levels of hCG measured by a radioreceptor assay (RRA) which utilizes a rat testicular membrane preparation. Unlike hCG, which peaks at the end of the first trimester, the alpha-subunit continues to rise until 36 weeks of pregnancy. During the first half of pregnancy the levels of alpha-subunit remain less than 100 ng/ml whereas in the second half the levels remain less than 200 ng/ml. Three pathologic pregnancies were also studied; on the basis of the hCG determinations, they could not be differentiated from normal pregnancy. In contrast, all determinations of alpha-subunit were abnormally elevated. The concept that placental dysfunctions would cause an early and abnormally high level of alpha-subunit secretion deserves further investigation.

Citations

Jan 1, 1991·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·T Chard
Dec 20, 1996·Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology·H Alfthan, U H Stenman
Jan 1, 1988·Reproductive Toxicology·R E CanfieldA J Wilcox
Mar 1, 1988·Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology·F J ValadezP M Conn

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