MK-8033 hydrochloride is primarily utilized in research settings, particularly in neuroscience and pharmacology studies. It functions as a potent and selective antagonist of the NMDA receptor, specifically targeting the NR2B subunit. This property makes it valuable for investigating the role of NMDA receptors in various neurological processes, such as synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Additionally, it is used to study conditions like neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets. Its high selectivity for the NR2B subunit allows researchers to dissect the specific contributions of this receptor subtype in complex neural pathways.