A proposed role for hCG in clinical obstetrics.

The role of human chorionic gonadatropin (hCG) in the maintenance of early pregnancy is well known. Recent data suggests that hCG may play a role in the maintenance of the later stages of pregnancy as well, by directly and indirectly promoting uterine quiescence. If hCG acts as an endogenous tocolytic in normal pregnancy, then it may be an ideal candidate for therapy of preterm labor as well. We present compelling in vitro as well as in vivo data, which support the role of hCG in the maintenance of normal uterine quiescence. Additionally, we will present in vivo and in vitro data that confirms the ability of hCG to directly promote relaxation of uterine contractions. This review provides a basis for future study of the use of hCG in clinical obstetrics. Given the limited effectiveness of tocolytic therapies available at the time, hCG may provide a promising pharmacological approach to the pervasive problem of preterm labor in human pregnancy. While further work is needed, initial data strongly support this novel use of hCG in clinical obstetrics.