Abstract: The invention relates to new 2-pyridine-thiol derivatives of the formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,Z is phenyl optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms and/or alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represents hydrogen, alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkylphenyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety or an ##STR2## group, in which R has the same meaning as defined above, and the substituent ##STR3## is attached to the pyridine ring in the position 3 or 4, with the proviso that if R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are both methyl and Z is 4-chlorophenyl, R is other than hydrogen, and acid addition salts thereof.The invention further relates to processes for the preparation of the above compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient.The compounds are pharmaceutically active, in particular show cytoprotective activity.