Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) intact [HCGab/52]

This antibody is a very special because it reacts ONLY with the intact-HCG and not with either free alpha- or free beta-chain of HCG. HCG is a glycoprotein and is composed of two non-identical, non-covalently linked polypeptide chains designated as the alpha and beta subunits. The alpha subunit is identical to that of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). HCG is secreted in large quantities by normal trophoblasts. It is present only in trace amounts in non-pregnant urine and sera but rises sharply during pregnancy. HCG antibody detects cells and tumors of trophoblastic origin such as choriocarcinoma. Large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung demonstrate anti-hCG positivity in 90% and 60% of cases respectively. 20% of lung squamous cell carcinomas are positive. HCG expression by non-trophoblastic tumors may indicate aggressive behavior.