Glycine receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels. Channel opening is triggered by extracellular glycine. Channel opening is also triggered by taurine and beta-alanine. Channel characteristics depend on the subunit composition; heteropentameric channels are activated by lower glycine levels and display faster desensitization. Plays an important role in the down-regulation of neuronal excitability. Contributes to the generation of inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Channel activity is potentiated by ethanol. Potentiation of channel activity by intoxicating levels of ethanol contribute to the sedative effects of ethanol 