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).