MPDC is primarily used in biochemical research as a selective inhibitor of glutamate transporters. It helps in studying the role of glutamate in neural signaling and its impact on neurological disorders such as epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. By blocking glutamate uptake, MPDC allows researchers to observe the effects of elevated extracellular glutamate levels on neuronal function and cell viability. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding the mechanisms of excitotoxicity and for developing potential therapeutic strategies targeting glutamate-related pathways.