The invention provides novel pyridines, pharmaceutical compositions
comprising such pyridines, and the use of such compositions in treating
injured mammalian nerve tissue, including but not limited to an injured
spinal cord. In one embodiment, the compounds, compositions, and methods
of the instant invention treat a mammalian nerve tissue injury by
restoring action potential or nerve impulse conduction through a nerve
tissue lesion. Significantly, in vivo application of compounds of the
instant invention established, on the basis of SSEP testing, that the
compounds provide longer lasting effects at lower concentrations than
comparable treatment with the known agent 4-aminopyridine (4 AP).