Peptide
Reference library
Educational peptide reference — research use only.
Research & educational use only
For laboratory and educational research only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. This is not medical advice. Always follow applicable laws and consult qualified professionals.
The calculator performs unit math for research reference. It must not be used to plan or guide dosing in humans or animals. Verify all figures independently in your lab protocol.
HCG
A glycoprotein hormone studied in fertility and endocrine research.
- Half-life (approx.)
- ~24–36 h (approx., subQ)
- Diluent
- Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- Common vials
- 5000, 10000 mg
Half-life figures are literature approximations for educational reference — not pharmacokinetic advice.
Overview
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone standardized in IU, studied for Leydig-cell stimulation and fertility-protocol research. Research materials are typically lyophilized with IU potency on the label — unit math differs from mg-based peptides. Glycoprotein hormone dosed in IU — distinct potency labeling from mg-based peptides.
Structure & identity
Glycoprotein hormone α/β subunits — 237 aa β chain
- Sequence / structure
- Glycoprotein hormone α/β subunits — 237 aa β chain
Status: FDA-approved for select indications; research use IU-based.
Mechanism
FDA-approved for select indications; research use IU-based.
Mimics LH action on Leydig cells, stimulating testosterone and progesterone synthesis. Leydig-cell testosterone synthesis via LH/CG receptor is the primary endocrine endpoint.
Studies & clinical programs
Hypogonadism research
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Hypogonadism research experimental designs.
Cryptorchidism models
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under Cryptorchidism models experimental designs.
IVF trigger protocols
Published research models
- Peer-reviewed literature documents endpoints under IVF trigger protocols experimental designs.
Research models in literature
- Hypogonadism research
- Cryptorchidism models
- IVF trigger protocols
Literature highlights
- LH-receptor agonism on Leydig cells studied in hypogonadism and cryptorchidism research.
- IVF trigger and luteal-support protocols use IU-based potency labeling.
- Glycoprotein hormone with distinct storage and reconstitution requirements versus linear peptides.
Combination research notes
Fertility protocols may combine hCG with hMG or gonadorelin in controlled studies.
Key targets & pathways
Research areas
Routes in research literature
Also known as
Handling cautions
- Dose in IU, not mg — verify label conversion
Stability & storage phases
| Phase | Condition | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | Refrigerated (2–8 °C); do not shake vial | Recombinant proteins and glycoproteins require gentle handling; inspect cake integrity and store upright per IU potency literature. |
| Reconstituted | Manufacturer diluent or bacteriostatic water, refrigerated | Swirl gently until dissolved — never shake vigorously; refrigerated stability is often shorter than small peptides (days to ~2 weeks). |
| Working aliquots | Frozen (−20 °C) in protein-grade tubes | Aliquot by IU or mg immediately after reconstitution; label concentration and avoid foam formation during draw. |
Stability windows are formulation-dependent — verify published data and your lab SOP.
Reconstitution reference table
| Vial (mg) | Diluent (mL) | mcg/mL | Units @ 100 mcg | Units @ 250 mcg | Units @ 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 | 2 | 2500000.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10000 | 2 | 5000000.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
U-100 insulin syringe scale (100 units = 1 mL). Illustrative only — not dosing guidance.
Reconstitution steps
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15–30 min)
- Swab rubber stopper with alcohol prep pad
- Draw calculated bacteriostatic water into syringe
- Inject diluent slowly down vial wall — do not spray directly onto cake
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously
- Label with date, concentration, and diluent volume
- Refrigerate and use within your lab stability window
IU-based dosing common; reconstitute per IU/mg label and protocol.
Laboratory record checklist
- Potency stated in IU documented in lab records and analytical certificate when available
- Lot and expiration recorded
- Lyophilized cake intact
- Reconstitution with supplied or BW per label
- Refrigerate after mixing