Abstract

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein secreted by trophoblast. It has been determined by several methods, but resectly enzyme immunoassy is developed. The authors investigated serum levels of β-HCG determined by enzyme immunoassay in normal controls and patients with diseases of the reproductive organs. The results were as follows : 1) In hydatidiform mole, serum β-HCG levels were significantly increased(11.9×10³ mlU/Ml), but the elevated levels were returned to normal in 12 weeks after operation. 2) In choriocarcinoma, serum β-HCG levels were also markedly increased. 3) In ectopic pregnangy, serum β-HCG levels were increased moderately. 3) In chronic cervicitis and other diseases of the reproductive organs, serum β-HCG showed normal levels. According to the above results, enzyme immunoassay is a simple, rapid, highly specific, and sensititive method for determination of serum β-HCG. Evaluation of serum β-HCG levels is very important in diagnosis of trophoblastic disease and ectopic pregnancies.