Substantial urinary concentrations of material resembling beta-core fragment of chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit in mid-menstrual cycle.
We measured the day-to-day variations in concentrations of beta-core, luteinizing hormone (LH), and alpha-subunit in urine during the menstrual cycle. The alpha-subunit concentrations showed a pattern similar to that of the LH concentrations. beta-Core-like material was increased during and up to 3 to 4 days after the surge in urine LH. The urine LH concentration was associated with the presence of beta-core immunoreactivity during the urine LH peak. Chromatography showed that, at the peak LH concentration and at 2 days after the LH peak, beta-core immunoreactivity could be accounted for by the presence of a peptide of low molecular mass similar to the beta-core molecule of hCG, but probably originating from the degradation of LH. The prolonged excretion of gonadotropin metabolites in the midcycle must be considered when beta-core is being assessed as a tumor marker.
Williamson Laboratory for Molecular Oncology, Joint Academic Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Physiology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, West Smithfield, London, UK.
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Neven
R K
RK
Iles
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Howes
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Sharma
J H
JH
Shepherd
R
R
Edwards
W P
WP
Collins
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T
Chard
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000652:urine*; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D005260:Female; D015200:Fluoroimmunoassay; D006801:Humans; D015592:Immunoradiometric Assay; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000652:urine; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000652:urine*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000652:urine*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C063554:urinary gonadotropin fragment; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone