ZD7288 is primarily used in neuroscience research as a selective blocker of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, which are responsible for the Ih current. This application is crucial for studying the role of Ih in regulating neuronal excitability, rhythmic activity, and synaptic integration. By inhibiting HCN channels, ZD7288 helps researchers investigate its impact on pacemaker activity in the heart and brain, particularly in regions like the thalamus and hippocampus. It is also used to explore its effects on learning, memory, and neurological disorders such as epilepsy and chronic pain. Additionally, ZD7288 has been employed in studies examining its potential therapeutic applications in conditions where abnormal HCN channel activity is implicated.