Dizocilpine is primarily used in neuroscience research to study the mechanisms of neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. It acts as a non-competitive antagonist of the NMDA receptor, making it a valuable tool for investigating excitotoxicity, which is implicated in conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. By blocking NMDA receptors, it helps researchers understand the role of glutamate in neuronal damage and recovery. Additionally, it is used in behavioral studies to explore its effects on learning, memory, and psychosis-like symptoms, providing insights into psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. Its application in animal models has been crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting glutamate pathways.