Peptide hormones and sport: misuse and detection.

In 1989 the Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) introduced the new doping class of 'peptide hormones and analogues,' which include human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and related compounds, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), human growth hormone (hGH), all the releasing factors of these listed hormones, and erythropoietin (Epo). Currently there are no IOC approved definitive tests for these hormones but highly specific immunoassays combined with suitable purification techniques may be sufficient to warrant IOC approval. The importance of measuring hCG and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the control of testosterone misuse is discussed and strategies for the detection of hGH, ACTH and Epo administration are suggested.