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The impact of high pressure on Lactobacillus plantarum growth at pH 5.0 and 7.0 was examined. The classical inactivation kinetics were compared with a number of events related to the acid-base physiology of the cell. Findings showed that cells grown at pH 5.0 were more resistant to pressures than cells grown in pH 7.0. After pressure treatment, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity decreased and acid efflux was impaired. No morphological changes of the membrane were observed although functions related to the membrane-bound ATPase activity were impaired.