N-Methyl-DL-aspartic acid is primarily used in neuroscience research as a selective agonist for the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor. It helps in studying the role of NMDA receptors in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory processes. This compound is also utilized in experimental models to investigate excitotoxicity, a process where nerve cells are damaged or killed by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters such as glutamate. Additionally, it serves as a tool in pharmacological studies to understand the mechanisms underlying neurological disorders like epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Its application extends to the development of therapeutic agents targeting NMDA receptor pathways.