Pentylenetetrazole is primarily used in research settings to study seizure activity and epilepsy. It acts as a convulsant agent, inducing seizures in animal models to help scientists understand the mechanisms of epilepsy and test potential anticonvulsant drugs. Additionally, it has been explored for its potential to enhance cognitive function and memory in certain neurological conditions, though this application remains experimental. Historically, it was used in clinical settings as a respiratory and circulatory stimulant, but its use for this purpose has largely been discontinued due to safety concerns.