This chemical is primarily used in research settings to study calcium channels, particularly L-type calcium channels. It acts as a calcium channel agonist, enhancing the influx of calcium ions into cells. This property makes it valuable for investigating cellular processes that depend on calcium signaling, such as muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and hormone secretion. It is also employed in studies related to cardiovascular physiology, as it can mimic conditions of increased calcium channel activity, which is relevant in understanding heart function and diseases like hypertension. Additionally, it is used in neuroscience research to explore the role of calcium channels in neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. Its selective action on L-type channels makes it a useful tool for dissecting the specific contributions of these channels in various biological systems.