<![CDATA[High temperatures lead to oxidative stress, which can disturb spermatogenesis process. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) peel contain antioxidant expected to compensate oxidative stress due to heat stress exposure. This study aimed to determine the effect of watermelon rind ethanolic extract on the number of Leydig, Sertoli, and spermatogenic cells of rats exposed to heat (40°C). Twenty rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided randomly into five groups. In the control group (T0) rats were not exposed to heat nor given the watermelon rind extract. T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups were exposed to heat for an hour daily and orally given placebo (1% Na CMC), 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW of watermelon rind extract (in 1% Na CMC). Rats were treated for 52 days, and sacrificed for the testicle collection. Hematoxylin-eosin stained histological slides were prepared for the examination of Leydig, Sertoli and spermatogenic cells. The results showed no significant difference (p >0.05) in the average number of Leydig cells in rats among groups. The number of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells of rats exposed to heat (T1) was lower than those of the normal rats (T0 group). The dose of watermelon rind ethanolic extract at 200 mg/kg BW (T3 group) and 400 mg/kg BW (T4) increased (p <0.05) the number of Sertoli and spermatogenic cells. It could be concluded that a dose of 400mg/kg BW of watermelon rind ethanolic extract maintained the number of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and spermatogenic cells of rats exposed to heat.]]>
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