α AND β GLYCOPROTEIN HORMONE SUBUNITS (hLH, hFSH, hCG) IN THE SERUM AND PITUITARY OF THE HUMAN FETUS1

Abstract

Utilizing specific radioimmunoassay and gel chromatographic separation methods, the concentration of α glycoprotein hormone subunit and the β subunit of hCG, hLH, and hFSH was determined. The α glycoprotein hormone subunit is present throughout gestation in the serum and pituitary of the human fetus; little or no β subunit is detectable. No sex difference in the levels of α glycoprotein hormone subunit is apparent in contrast to that of intact LH and FSH.