title: beta-Core chemical and clinical properties.
abstract: beta-Core is the most abundant hCG-related molecule in pregnancy urine. The structure of beta-core as well as aspects of its metabolic clearance suggest that beta-core is a metabolic fragment of the hCG-beta subunit. The occurrence of beta-core in the urine of patients with a broad spectrum of malignancies imparts an important role to beta-core as a tumor marker. The recent development of antisera with enhanced specificity and sensitivity for beta-core will facilitate further studies on the clinical significance of this molecule.
authors.affiliation: Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Blithe
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Wehmann
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Nisula