A chorionic gonadotropin-secreting human pituitary cell.

Recent data from our laboratory show that hCG is secreted in a pulsatile manner in parallel with human LH (hLH) in nonpregnant normal humans. Furthermore, GnRH stimulates hCG and hLH release. Using a monoclonal antibody specific for the beta-chain of hCG and not reacting with hLH, we have identified a heretofore unknown cell type in human pituitaries which stains only for hCG. The light microscopic, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural features are described. These data coupled to those from multiple earlier studies indicate that hCG is secreted by these cells in normal nonpregnant humans.