Human chorionic gonadotropin, its free subunits and gestational trophoblastic disease

J Reprod Med. 1991 Jan;36(1):21-6.

Abstract

Monoclonal antibody-based immunoassays can detect specifically intact human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the free alpha-subunit and the free beta-subunit. The differential production of hCG and its free subunits is important in gestational trophoblastic disease. Using well-defined epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies in an immunoradiometric assay format, specific and sensitive assays have been developed. Serum levels of free beta-hCG were abnormally high in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease. In contrast, free alpha-hCG levels in serum were not increased.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / blood*
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunoradiometric Assay / standards
  • Peptide Fragments / blood*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / blood*
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Uterine Neoplasms / blood*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
  • Peptide Fragments