Description
Chemical Identity
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin), also known as Menotropin or by the brand name Menopur, is a purified preparation of gonadotropins extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, containing both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity (CAS number 9002-68-0). HMG is a complex glycoprotein mixture with FSH having an approximate molecular weight of 35,500 Da and LH approximately 28,500 Da.
Unlike recombinant gonadotropins that contain only FSH, HMG provides both FSH and LH activity, which is considered physiologically relevant for follicular development and oocyte maturation. HMG has been used in clinical reproductive medicine since the 1960s and is FDA-approved for ovulation induction and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted reproduction.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | Glycoprotein mixture of FSH and LH |
| Molecular Weight | FSH ~35,500 Da; LH ~28,500 Da |
| CAS Number | 9002-68-0 |
| Source | Purified from urine of postmenopausal women |
| Research Status | FDA-approved (reproductive medicine) |
Research Overview
HMG has been extensively studied in clinical reproductive medicine and endocrinology. FSH acts on granulosa cells in the ovary to stimulate follicular growth and estradiol production, while LH acts on theca cells to stimulate androgen synthesis (which serves as substrate for aromatization to estradiol) and is critical for final follicular maturation and ovulation. The combination of both activities in HMG more closely replicates physiological gonadotropin signaling compared to FSH-only preparations.
In male reproductive research, HMG is studied for its ability to stimulate spermatogenesis through both FSH-dependent Sertoli cell function and LH-dependent Leydig cell testosterone production.
Key areas of published research include:
- Assisted Reproduction: Decades of clinical experience support HMG use in controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF), with meta-analyses comparing outcomes between HMG and recombinant FSH preparations for follicular recruitment, oocyte quality, and pregnancy rates.
- Ovulation Induction: HMG is used in anovulatory patients to induce follicular development and ovulation, with established protocols for dose titration based on ultrasound monitoring and estradiol levels.
- Male Reproductive Endocrinology: Research has examined HMG’s effects on spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where both FSH and LH activity are needed to restore testicular function.
HMG is a well-established pharmaceutical with extensive clinical experience in reproductive medicine.
Specifications
All HMG supplied by Prescott Bio Canada is manufactured to research-grade standards.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purity | >98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C, protected from light |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2-8°C, use within 30 days |
| Solubility | Soluble in sterile water or appropriate buffer |
Each vial is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, identity, and endotoxin testing.
Research Applications
HMG is supplied exclusively for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research. Published experimental applications include:
- Reproductive endocrinology and gonadotropin signaling research
- Folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation studies
- Spermatogenesis and male reproductive function research
- Comparative studies between urinary and recombinant gonadotropin preparations
- FSH and LH receptor pharmacology studies
Researchers should consult the primary literature and institutional review protocols before designing experiments with HMG.
Storage and Handling
Lyophilized powder: Store at -20°C in the original sealed vial, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, HMG maintains stability for up to 24 months.
Reconstituted solution: Reconstitute with sterile water or appropriate buffer. Gently swirl to dissolve. Store reconstituted HMG at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Handling precautions: This product is intended for research use only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. Handle using standard laboratory safety practices including appropriate PPE.