Abstract
The presence of hCG β-core fragment ( β-core) in the human placenta has been controversial. To clarify its presence in the villous tissue, first, we developed an enzyme immunoassay which is highly specific for β-core. Then, we investigated the presence of β-core immunoreactivity in the supernatants of placental organ culture and those of primary culture of trophoblasts as well as in the placental extracts at different stages of gestation. The immunoreactivity of β-core was demonstrated in each sample, and the amount was at least 5% of intact hCG immunoreactivity. Immunohistochemical analysis of the placental tissue showed localization of β-core immunoreactivity to the syncytiotrophoblast. Western blot analysis of the supernatants of organ culture as well as urine samples of pregnant women showed two major bands with molecular weight of ≈15 000. On the other hand, β-core immunoreactivity in the pregnant sera ranged from 0.1 to 0.19% of intact hCG immunoreactivity. These results suggest the presence and possible secretion of β-core fragment in the human placenta, and its immunoreactivity in the serum is likely to be reduced due to its short half life in the maternal blood.
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