Used primarily in research settings as a cholinergic agonist to study acetylcholine receptors. It mimics the action of acetylcholine, making it valuable in neuropharmacology for investigating parasympathetic nervous system functions. Commonly employed in vitro to stimulate muscle contractions in smooth muscle preparations. Also utilized in the development and testing of anticholinergic drugs due to its receptor specificity. Its stability and solubility make it suitable for use in physiological solutions during experimental assays.