Bladder dysfunction is a consequence of spinal cord injury that can be ameliorated by cellular transplantation (Mitsui et al. 2003-SfN). Here we examined effects of a different cellular transplant (NRP/GRP) alone and in combination with pharmacotherapy (Tamsulosin) on recovery of bladder function. Female rats received a modified moderate contusion injury at T8/9, and mixed NRP/GRP or medium alone (OP-controls) were delivered into the injury as well as caudal and rostral at 9 days post-injury. NRP/GRP transplants promoted a significant increase in voided volume/micturition at 2 wk while OP-controls reached the same level at 4 wk, indicating an accelerated recovery. Cystometry studies at 8 wk revealed a decreased micturition pressure and fewer episodes of detrusor hyperreflexia in NRP/GRP, but no differences in post-void residual urine or bladder capacity. We also found that NRP/GRP transplants partially prevented bladder hypertrophy. Thus, NRP/GRP transplants promote functional recovery similar to that show...