In the event of unsuccessful fertilization of the mammalian ovum, which of the following outcomes is improbable?
Subsequent reduction in estrogen secretion
Rapid decline in progesterone secretion
Disintegration of the corpus luteum
Initiation of primary follicle development
If fertilization does not occur, there is no need for a new primary follicle to start developing. The primary follicle is the earliest stage of follicular development and would not be initiated in the absence of successful fertilization.Hence, the correct answer is option 4.