Enzymatic removal of asparagine-linked carbohydrate chains from heterodimer human chorionic gonadotrophin and effect on bioactivity.

The native form of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a heterodimer protein with two asparagine (Asn)-linked carbohydrate chains on each subunit. Removal of the Asn-linked carbohydrate chains from hCG has resulted in hCG variants with consistent antagonistic properties on isolated murine cells. Specific and direct enzymatic removal of these carbohydrate chains from native hCG with resultant antagonistic properties has not been reported.

Effects of exogenous estrogen on uterine leukocyte recruitment.

Objective: To determine the role of estrogen in leukocyte recruitment to the human endometrium.

Design: Prospective, controlled in vivo study.

Setting: Academic research laboratory.