Promotion of corpus luteal progesterone production
Angiogenesis of uterine vasculature
Cytotrophoblast differentiation
Immuno-suppression and blockage of phagocytosis of invading trophoblast cells
Growth of uterus in line with fetal growth
Quiescence of uterine muscle contraction
Promotion of growth and differentiation of fetal organs
Umbilical cord growth and development
Blastocysts signals endometrium prior to implantation
hCG in sperm and receptors found in fallopian tubes suggesting pre-pregnancy communication
hCG receptors in adult brain hippocampus, hypothalamus and brain stem, may cause pregnancy nausea and vomiting
hCG and implantation of pregnancy, hCG stimulates metalloproteinases of cytotrophoblast cell