PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF VARIOUS MOLECULAR-FORMS OF HUMAN CHORIOGONADOTROPIN

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), its subunits and fragments are wid ely used for diagnostic purposes. In addition to the diagnosis of preg nancy and pregnancy related disorders, hCG determinations are used for diagnosis of trophoblastic and recently also nontrophoblastic tumors. The use for diagnosis of nontrophoblastic tumors requires highly spec ific and ultrasensitive assays. With these, it is possible to measure the concentrations of both hCG, the free P-subunit and the so called p -core fragment in healthy subjects. Therefore it is important to estab lish reference values for these and also to be aware of the influence of physiological factors on the serum and urine concentrations. Improv ed standardization of the assay methods is also essential for these no vel applications of hCG determinations to become useful. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.