Human corpus luteum: human chorionic gonadotropin receptors during ectopic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine hCG receptor levels and binding kinetics in corpora lutea (CL) from tubal pregnancies.


METHODS
Corpus luteum from tubal pregnancies, term normal pregnancies, and midluteal phase were obtained and compared for hCG binding.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital.


METHODS
Corpus luteum were obtained at elective cesarean section at term, tubal ligation, or surgery for ectopic pregnancy (EP).


METHODS
Human chorionic gonadotropin receptor levels, dissociation and association constants using saturation binding assay, and Scatchard analysis.


RESULTS
Corpus luteum from late tubal pregnancies (> 7 weeks) and term intrauterine pregnancies had undetectable hCG binding. Corpus luteum from early tubal pregnancies (< 6 weeks) had significantly reduced hCG receptors with higher dissociation constants than from midluteal phase CL.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant reduction of hCG receptors with accelerated binding dissociation may be the basis of CL dysfunction in some EPs.
Dawood
M Y
MY
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston 77030.
Khan-Dawood
F S
FS
D000328:Adult; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008183:Luteal Phase; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000378:metabolism*; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values
D011974:Receptors, LH